Lionel Messi endured a frustrating night after missing a penalty. Inter Miami suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Nashville in Saturday’s Major League Soccer top-of-the-table clash.
According to AFP, the Argentina captain was denied from the spot in the first half and received a yellow card after the break. Later, he struck both posts in stoppage time. In the end, Nashville brought Miami’s seven-match unbeaten league run to an emphatic end.
The victory strengthened Nashville’s position at the top of the MLS standings with 43 points from a 13-2 record and four draws. Meanwhile, defending champions Inter Miami remain second on 38 points.
Honduran defender Andy Najar opened the scoring in the 17th minute, heading Nashville into an early lead. However, Miami were handed an opportunity to respond six minutes later.
Messi penalty saved by Schwake
Messi stepped up for the penalty in the 23rd minute but produced an effort that Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved. This denied the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner an equaliser.
Miami eventually drew level three minutes into first-half stoppage time. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia fired home with his right foot following an assist from Messi.
The visitors could not build on the goal after the break.
Hany Mukhtar restored Nashville’s advantage in the 49th minute before England striker Sam Surridge extended the lead to 3-1.
Mukhtar then struck again in the 63rd minute to complete the rout and give Nashville a commanding three-goal cushion.
Nashville end Miami’s unbeaten run
Messi’s difficult evening continued when he was booked in the 59th minute. Nevertheless, he remained heavily involved in Miami’s attempts to reduce the deficit.
The 39-year-old came agonisingly close to scoring during second-half stoppage time when an effort struck both posts but stayed out.
The defeat ended an impressive run of away form for Miami. They entered the game with a league-best 8-1-1 record on the road and had gone seven MLS matches without defeat.
Nashville, meanwhile, maintained their unbeaten home record in the league. They secured another major result against Miami after eliminating them from this season’s CONCACAF Champions Cup in the round of 16.
The result leaves Nashville five points ahead of Miami at the summit. The race for the MLS regular-season crown continues.
