Messi drives Inter Miami to dramatic win over NYCFC

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, second from right, moves the ball through New York City FC defenders during the first half of an MLS soccer game at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP)

NEW YORK, March 23 (AP): Lionel Messi scored the equalizer off a free kick in the second half before helping to set up Michael dos Santos' winner, and Inter Miami came from behind to beat New York City FC 3-2 at Yankee Stadium.

Inter Miami (3-1-1) pulls into a second-place tie in the Eastern Conference by handing NYCFC (3-1-1) its first loss.

Gonzalo Luján scored his first career goal, unassisted off a rebound in the 4th minute, to give Inter Miami an early lead. The 21-year-old defender has started in 23 of his 30 career appearances.

Nicolás Fernández continued his red-hot start with his fifth goal, scoring off a free kick in the 17th minute to pull NYCFC even. Fernández has eight goals in 16 career appearances since last season.

Agustín Ojeda scored - with assists from Maxi Moralez and Kevin O'Toole - to give NYCFC a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute. It was Ojeda's second goal this season and his fifth in 61 career matches. Moralez already has four assists this season.

The advantage lasted for two minutes until Messi drilled a left-footed free kick that ricocheted its way past Matt Freese for his fourth goal this season. It was Messi's 54th goal in his 58th MLS appearance. The Argentine legend has scored 901 goals in his illustrious international and club career.

Messi's corner kick in the 74th minute helped set up a header by Michael, and Inter Miami took a 3-2 lead. Noah Allen and David Ayala assisted on Michael's first goal with his new team.