Nashville SC dominate Inter Miami as Messi misses penalty in 4-1 MLS defeat

Lionel Messi endured a frustrating night as Inter Miami suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC on Saturday in a crucial Major League Soccer clash between two of the league’s leading sides.

Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar were among the goals for Nashville, who produced an impressive second-half performance to pull clear after a closely contested opening period.

Messi had a night to forget despite providing the assist for Miami’s only goal. The Inter Miami captain missed a penalty in the first half, was shown a yellow card in the 59th minute and later struck both posts during second-half stoppage time.

The victory strengthened Nashville’s position at the top of the MLS standings, with the club moving to 43 points from 19 matches. Miami remain second with 38 points.

Nashville had already enjoyed success against Miami earlier this year, eliminating the Florida club from the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the round of 16.

The result also ended Miami’s impressive seven-match unbeaten run in MLS. The defending champions had entered the match with an outstanding 8-1-1 record on the road, but Nashville maintained their unbeaten home record in league play.

Nashville took the lead in the 17th minute when Andy Najar rose highest to head home and give the hosts a deserved advantage.

Miami were handed a golden opportunity to respond six minutes later when Messi stepped up from the penalty spot. However, his effort lacked power and Brian Schwake made a comfortable save to preserve Nashville’s lead.

The miss added to Messi’s recent struggles from the penalty spot. Despite his extraordinary career record, the Argentine has endured several notable penalty misses, including two at the FIFA World Cup.

Miami eventually found their equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time. Telasco Segovia fired a powerful right-footed effort into the net after being set up by Messi, sending the teams into the interval level at 1-1.

Nashville quickly regained control after the break. Hany Mukhtar, the 2022 MLS Most Valuable Player, restored the hosts’ advantage in the 49th minute.

Sam Surridge then extended Nashville’s lead, making it 3-1 before Mukhtar completed his brace in the 63rd minute to put the result beyond doubt.

Messi continued to search for a response, but his late attempt in stoppage time struck both posts in extraordinary fashion.

The final whistle confirmed a statement victory for Nashville SC, who strengthened their grip on the top of the MLS table while handing Inter Miami one of their most disappointing defeats of the campaign.