Messi scores but Nashville claims 2-1 win against Inter Miami, setting up a winner-takes-all match in Florida
Nashville SC upset Inter Miami in Tennessee, handing Lionel Messi and his side a tense 2-1 loss that sets up a winner-takes-all playoff decider in Florida. For the second consecutive season, Messi’s team will need to survive an elimination game in the first round, after coming in as favorites for the MLS Cup.
The contest began with Sam Surridge, runner-up to Messi for the golden boot, converting a penalty in the ninth minute, despite Miami’s appeals for offside. Video review was inconclusive due to camera limitations, and yellow smoke filled the stands as the home crowd celebrated. Nashville doubled its lead near halftime when Josh Bauer scored from close range after a corner, leaving Miami facing a major challenge.
Inter Miami protested several referee decisions throughout the match, with one key moment being a no-call on a penalty claim involving Tadeo Allende late in the first half. Nashville’s tight marking and high pressing restricted Messi’s influence for much of the game, while Miami created a handful of chances but struggled to finish. Joe Willis, Nashville’s goalkeeper, made a crucial save from Luis Suárez in the second half to preserve the lead.
Frustration grew for the visitors, and tempers flared following a clash between Suárez and Andy Najar that went unpunished by the referee. Miami’s hopes were revived in the final minutes when Messi scored a left-footed goal in the 90th minute, his sixth in three games against Nashville, but the team could not produce an equalizer.
Game 3 will take place November 8 at Chase Stadium, where Inter Miami will have the home advantage as they fight to avoid another early playoff exit and Nashville hunts for a breakthrough trip to the conference semifinals. With tension mounting and both teams looking for their first MLS Cup semifinal berth, the winner advances and the loser’s season ends in Fort Lauderdale.
