Luis Suarez scored in stoppage time and Lionel Messi scored shortly following half-time to help Inter Miami tie Nashville 2-2 in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The teams will meet once more for the second leg of the home-and-home portion of the round of 16, with Miami holding a decisive edge thanks to the away goals rule.
Suarez tied the game with a header in the fifth minute of stoppage time, assisted by his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. Messi got Inter Miami on the board with his first Concacaf goal in the 52nd minute.
Jacob Shaffelburg scored twice for Nashville, once in the fourth minute and once more in the 47th minute, to put them up 2-0. However, their goal in the 83rd minute by Shaq Moore was waived off for being offside.
The match between Inter Miami and Nashville drew attention primarily because of Lionel Messi. Ticket prices for this game were expected to soar, similar to Messi’s first visit to Nashville last year in the Leagues Cup final. However, tickets remained available, though fans showed their support by wearing pink Messi jerseys and chanting his name.
Messi had several opportunities to score in the game but was unsuccessful until the 52nd minute when Suarez assisted him just outside the box. Messi used his left foot to score, pulling Miami within 2-1.
The match also had a moment of concern for Messi when Nashville defender Lukas Macnaughton accidentally stepped on his left calf. Despite this, Messi remained on the pitch and continued playing.
Prior to the match, Nashville announced a contract extension with German midfielder Hany Mukhtar, keeping him with the club through 2026. Nashville also has an option for 2027 for Mukhtar, who is the club’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points.
In conclusion, the game between Inter Miami and Nashville showcased the skills of star players such as Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. Both teams displayed their competitiveness, and the result sets up an exciting second leg. It will be interesting to see if Messi can lead Miami to victory and if Nashville can overcome the away goals disadvantage. This match has generated significant buzz and is a testament to the growing popularity of soccer in the United States.
