NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Lionel Messi’s rare nightmare from the penalty spot extended on Saturday night as Inter Miami succumbed to a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC at Geodis Park.
The Argentine superstar had a golden chance to drag Inter Miami back into the match in the 23rd minute after Andy Najar had headed Nashville into an early lead. However, Messi’s weak penalty attempt was easily saved by goalkeeper Brian Schwake. This marks Messi’s third consecutive spot-kick miss across international and club duty, following failed attempts during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although Messi assisted Telasco Segovia’s equalizer in first-half stoppage time, Inter Miami completely collapsed after the break. A second-half double from Hany Mukhtar along with a strike from Sam Surridge sealed a commanding win for Nashville SC, leaving Miami 5 points behind in the Eastern Conference standings.
