Nashville ended their long drought against Inter Miami with a 2-1 win on Saturday, keeping their Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff hopes alive. Lionel Messi’s late goal in the 89th minute was not enough as Nashville forced a deciding Game 3 in the round one series.
This was Nashville’s first victory over Inter Miami since May 2023, ending a 10-match winless run. Sam Surridge and Josh Bauer scored in the first half to put the home side in control at a rainy Geodis Park in Tennessee.
Surridge opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the ninth minute. He calmly placed his shot past goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo after the Miami keeper hesitated to come off his line during a challenge.
Just before half-time, Bauer doubled the lead. He slid in a left-footed finish from a Hany Mukhtar corner to make it 2-0.
Miami came out strong in the second half. Luis Suarez went close in the 66th minute, but Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis denied him with a fine save. Ian Fray also saw his shot blocked moments later.
Messi tried to spark a comeback in the closing minutes. His first two attempts were saved, but he finally scored in the 89th minute. Rodrigo De Paul found him near the top right of the box, and Messi curled a left-footed shot into the top corner to cut the deficit.
Miami had won the first game of the series 3-1, powered by a Messi brace. Now they must host the third and final game in Florida on Saturday.
The situation feels familiar for Miami, who faced a similar setback last season. After winning their opening playoff game against Atlanta United, they lost the next two and crashed out of the competition.
The winner of this series will face either Columbus or Cincinnati next. Cincinnati currently lead their series 1-0 ahead of Game 2 on Sunday.
