New York, 23 March (H.S.):

Inter Miami staged a thrilling turnaround Sunday in Major League Soccer, downing New York City FC 3-2 with a decisive header from Micael Dos Santos in the 74th minute.

Lionel Messi fired his 901st career goal to level things, moments after NYCFC grabbed a 2-1 lead through Agustin Ojeda's strike off Maxi Morales' pinpoint pass in the 59th. Gonzalo Lujan had opened Miami's account early.

Miami earned a free kick right after; Messi's curling effort deflected – off Hannes Wolf – past keeper Matt Freese to make it 2-2. He'd rattled the post twice before but this one counted.

Dos Santos rose highest soon after to nod home the winner, holding firm through stoppage. The Herons banked vital points pre-international break after midweek CONCACAF heartbreak; NYCFC tasted a first defeat.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar