In a highly anticipated clash that marked Inter Miami CF’s first home Major League Soccer game since the arrival of Lionel Messi, the team’s unbeaten streak extended to 10 games, but not without disappointment as they were held to a scoreless draw against Nashville SC.
While Messi is known for his consistently stellar performances, Wednesday’s match saw him having an off night, failing to contribute with a goal or an assist for the first time since joining Inter Miami. Despite leading all players with seven shots, a last-second attempt by Messi was thwarted by Nashville’s goalkeeper, Elliot Panicco.
Throughout Messi’s nine games with Miami since his MLS debut in July, the team had emerged victorious in all nine, with six wins in regular play and three through penalty shootouts in Leagues Cup, U.S. Open Cup, and MLS matches.
However, the match against Nashville proved to be a different story. Messi’s usually magical left foot was unable to conjure a decisive play, causing Miami to miss out on valuable points in their pursuit of an unlikely spot in the MLS playoffs. Notably, this was the first time Miami failed to score since Messi’s arrival.
Facing a Nashville side without key players like Walker Zimmerman and Sam Surridge, and with Hany Mukhtar playing only the first half, Nashville’s game plan was evident from start to finish – a defensive approach with many players behind the ball. This strategy led to frustration for both Miami’s players and coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Martino expressed his concern post-game about the tight schedule since he took charge, leaving little time for adequate training with the team. “Playing every four days hasn’t allowed us enough time to train and really build this group,” he lamented.
Messi, who started alongside former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, struggled to find openings in Nashville’s sturdy defense for the first hour of the match. His free kick attempt in the 60th minute was blocked, exemplifying Miami’s struggle to break down their opponent’s resistance.
Inter Miami’s fans still held out hope for a Messi-inspired breakthrough, reminiscent of his debut goal against Mexican Club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup opener. But neither side could find the back of the net, with Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar having a goal disallowed due to an offside call in the 69th minute.
The draw leaves Inter Miami with 22 points and 10 games left in the season, trailing the final playoff spot by 10 points. The team will now travel to BMO Stadium to face defending MLS Cup champions LAFC on Sunday, in a match that poses a significant challenge.
Following this contest, Inter Miami will enjoy their longest break in over a month before taking on a struggling Sporting Kansas City side at home on Saturday, September 9th. Unfortunately, the team will be without Messi and potentially up to 10 other players due to international call-ups.
Before the draw against Nashville, Inter Miami proudly displayed their newly-acquired Leagues Cup trophy to their home fans, capturing a historic moment in the club’s journey. As co-owner Jorge Mas shared words of triumph, Messi and former captain DeAndre Yedlin lifted the cup, igniting cheers from all corners of the DRV PNK Stadium.
[…] Inter Miami CF celebrated its first-ever trophy on Wednesday night, as the team presented the 2023 Leagues Cup trophy to its fans before its home match against Nashville SC. […]
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