Messi Misses Penalty as Miami Suffer Big MLS Loss

Lionel Miami’s misfiring on the spot continued to haunt Inter Miami as the club slumped to a heavy 4-1 defeat against league leaders Nashville in a marquee Major League Soccer clash on Saturday. Despite the setback, the Argentine captain still had a hand in his side’s only goal of the night, setting up the equalizer before later rattling both goalposts in stoppage time.

Nashville Dominate at Home

The hosts took control early when Honduran defender Andy Najar headed them into a 17th-minute lead. Miami were handed a route back into the game soon after when they won a penalty, but Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake denied Messi’s tame attempt from twelve yards. Miami did draw level right before the break, with Venezuelan forward Telasco Segovia converting after being set up by Messi. Nashville, however, pulled away in the second half through a brace from 2022 MLS Most Valuable Player Hany Mukhtar and a strike from Sam Surridge, sealing a comfortable win on home turf.

Standings and Streaks Take a Hit

The result also ended Inter Miami’s run of seven consecutive matches without defeat in the league and further extended Nashville’s dominant home record. Nashville had earlier eliminated Miami from this year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup, adding extra weight to Saturday’s meeting between the two MLS front-runners. With the win, Nashville now sit atop the table with 43 points from a 13-2-4 record, while defending champions Miami slip to second on 38 points, despite having boasted one of the league’s best away records this season.

Messi, whose spot-kick struggles have been notable this year including misses at the World Cup, will look to bounce back as Miami regroup from one of their most lopsided defeats of the campaign.