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Inter Miami suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC in a top-of-the-table Major League Soccer clash on Saturday, with Lionel Messi missing a first-half penalty.
Messi was denied by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake in the 23rd minute after Miami were awarded a spot-kick. The Argentine captain was later booked in the 59th minute as Nashville pulled away in the second half.
Nashville took the lead in the 17th minute through Honduran defender Andy Najar, who headed the hosts in front. Miami eventually levelled three minutes into first-half stoppage time when Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia fired home from Messi’s assist.
Hany Mukhtar restored Nashville’s advantage four minutes into the second half before England striker Sam Surridge made it 3-1. Mukhtar completed his brace in the 63rd minute to put the result beyond Miami.
Messi had a late opportunity to reduce the deficit but struck both posts in second-half stoppage time as Nashville completed a convincing victory.
The defeat ended Inter Miami’s seven-match unbeaten run in MLS and left them second in the standings on 38 points, five behind Nashville, who moved to 43 points after 19 matches.
Nashville also maintained their unbeaten home record in the league and repeated their recent dominance over Miami after eliminating the defending MLS champions from this season’s CONCACAF Champions Cup in the round of 16.
