In a rainy and tense atmosphere at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Lionel Messi’s late heroics were not enough to save Inter Miami from a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nashville SC. The loss forces a decisive Game 3 in the first round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, as Nashville finally snapped a two-and-a-half-year drought against Messi’s Miami-led team.

🥅 Nashville Ends 10-Match Skid Against Inter Miami

Nashville’s win marks their first triumph over Inter Miami since May 2023, ending a 10-match streak without a victory against the Florida-based side. Led by head coach Gary Smith, the hosts came out with purpose, securing goals in both halves to take full advantage of their home turf and wet weather conditions.

The scoring opened in the 9th minute when forward Sam Surridge converted a penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo hesitated and clipped Surridge in the box. Surridge kept his composure, sending a low effort into the corner before the keeper could recover.

As Inter Miami scrambled to regain control, Nashville’s Josh Bauer delivered a crushing blow just before halftime. Off a perfectly placed corner by Hany Mukhtar, Bauer latched onto the delivery and slotted a left-footed shot into the net, doubling Nashville’s lead at the break.

🎯 Messi’s Magic Comes Too Late

Despite a sluggish start, Inter Miami regained their footing in the second half. Superstar forward Luis Suárez nearly pulled one back in the 66th minute, only to be denied by Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis. A follow-up shot from Ian Fray inside the penalty area was also blocked, adding to Miami’s frustrations.

Then came the Messi moment.

In the 89th minute, with the clock winding down, Rodrigo De Paul set up the legendary Argentinian at the edge of the box. Messi took a touch, created space, and fired an unstoppable left-footed strike into the top right corner, stunning the home crowd. The goal – his 32nd of the season – secured his MLS Golden Boot title but wasn’t enough to shift the momentum in Miami’s favor.

Messi made two more valiant attempts earlier, including a tricky angled shot in the 85th minute that was blocked, and a powerful drive in the 86th that was saved. But Nashville held strong until the final whistle.

🏆 What’s Next for Messi and Inter Miami?

Inter Miami had taken charge of the playoff series with a decisive 3-1 win in Game 1, thanks to another Messi brace, and were expected to finish the job. Now, with the series tied 1-1, Game 3 becomes a must-win. That match will take place in Miami on Saturday, making it crucial for the hosts to avoid another early playoff exit – a painful reminder of last year, when Miami fell apart after a promising start.

The winner of the series will advance to face either Columbus Crew or FC Cincinnati, with Cincinnati currently holding a 1-0 series edge.

As the MLS Cup playoffs continue, all eyes will be on Messi and Co. as they return home to try and regain their dominant form.