Messi returned to the main squad of Inter Miami after suffering the shock of losing his father, Mr. Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 due to illness on August 8. However, the return day of the Argentine striker did not go as expected when Inter Miami suffered a heavy defeat at Geodis Park.
This is the first time Messi has played alongside familiar teammates such as Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul and Casemiro in the MLS after a family upheaval. However, the 39-year-old superstar has not been able to regain his best playing feeling as in the 4-2 win over San Luis on August 6, where he scored 2 goals and had 1 assist.
Nashville SC soon created an advantage when Andy Najar scored the opening goal in the 17th minute. Just 6 minutes later, Inter Miami was awarded a penalty and Messi had a chance to bring the match back to balance.
However, Messi's shot could not beat goalkeeper Nashville SC. This is the 3rd consecutive time he has missed a penalty since the 2026 World Cup, after matches against Austria in the group stage and Egypt in the round of 16.
Inter Miami then put the ball into the net thanks to Sergio Reguilon's rebound, but the goal was disallowed because this defender broke into the penalty area before Messi took a shot.
However, Messi still managed to leave his mark before the first half ended. In the 45+3 minute, he made a favorable pass for Segovia to finish, bringing Inter Miami to equalize 1-1. This is Messi's 420th assist in his career.
It seemed that the equalizer would help Inter Miami play better in the second half, but the away team quickly collapsed. Hany Mukhtar scored in the 49th minute, Sam Surridge scored in the 56th minute before Mukhtar completed a double in the 63rd minute, helping Nashville SC lead 4-1.
Messi tried to find a goal to bring Inter Miami back to the match, but the away team's defense continuously made mistakes. The Argentine striker's efforts could not help Inter Miami avoid defeat.
This is Inter Miami's 3rd consecutive defeat after a streak of 8 unbeaten matches including 7 wins and 1 draw. Previously, Messi's team was eliminated early from the Leagues Cup.
In the MLS, the defeat to Nashville SC caused Inter Miami to miss the opportunity to narrow the gap with their opponent in the race for the Supporters' Shield. After the match, Inter Miami had 38 points after 19 matches, 5 points behind Nashville SC. This team continues to lead the Eastern and MLS standings with 43 points.
