Lionel Messi scored an 87th-minute free-kick before setting up a stoppage-time equaliser as stuttering Inter Miami hit back for a dramatic 3-3 draw at Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union.

Miami were on course for a third defeat in four MLS games after Tai Baribo's double gave Philadelphia a 3-1 lead with 17 minutes to go.

But in a week where reports suggested Messi led a players-only meeting to get to the bottom of his side's poor form, the Argentina star found the top corner with his free-kick from the edge of the box before his run led to Telesco Segovia's fine equaliser in the fifth minute of added time.

The result leaves Miami sixth in the east with two games left before they break for the Club World Cup.

Union struck early through Quinn Sullivan and were 2-0 up just before half-time when Baribo claimed his first goal of the evening.

Tadeo Allende pulled one back for Miami on the hour mark, but Baribo restored Philadelphia's advantage 13 minutes later.

Messi then intervened with his sixth MLS goal of the season.

Miami rode their luck when Jovan Lukic hit the crossbar in the third minute of added time, but just over a minute later Messi was halted as he dribbled towards the edge of the Philadelphia area but the ball ran for Telasco Segovia who curled in a fine equaliser.