Inter Miami remain stuck in MLS and were held to a 3-3 draw by San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday despite taking the lead.

Javier Mascherano's side arrived in San Jose having lost four of their previous five games, including a CONCACAF Champions League exit, and again showed signs of defensive frailty in California.

Even after taking the lead just seconds later with a header from Argentina's Maximiliano Lujan, a serious misfiring in the build-up, culminating in an error on a pass from goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, led to an equaliser from Colombia's Cristian 'Chicho' Arango.

After responding in the 44th minute to San Jose's 2-1 lead with a Tadeo Allende strike from Jordi Alba's fine cross from the left flank, Inter Miami struggled again and the Californians made it 3-2 in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time thanks to Ian Harkes.

Tadeo Allende completed his personal brace from a Messi-driven move to deny Inter Miami, who were reunited with their former Venezuelan player Josef Martinez.

In second-half stoppage time, Messi had a chance to score the winner but was denied by Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel. The Argentinian left the pitch angrily protesting to the referee.

Inter Miami are fifth in the East with 22 points and six points behind leaders Cincinnati. San Jose are seventh in the West with 17 points, ten points behind first-placed Vancouver.

Ian Harkes

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