Luis Suarez scored in stoppage time, and Lionel Messi found the net shortly after half-time, aiding Inter Miami in securing a 2-2 draw against Nashville on Thursday night in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The teams are set to face each other Wednesday night in Miami for the second leg of the home-and-home round of 16 encounter, with Miami having a significant advantage due to the away goals rule. Suarez equalized the score with a header in the fifth minute of stoppage time, courtesy of a cross from former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. Messi opened the scoring for Inter Miami with his first goal in Concacaf competition in the 52nd minute.
Nashville initially took a 2-0 lead with goals from Jacob Shaffelburg in the fourth minute and again in the 47th minute after halftime. The home team thought they extended their lead to 3-1 when Shaq Moore scored in the 83rd minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. All attention was on Messi throughout the match.
As the match approached last week, ticket prices seemed poised to rise, reminiscent of Messi’s first visit to Nashville last August during the Leagues Cup final. Despite this, tickets remained available on Thursday, although pink Messi jerseys could be spotted throughout Geodis Park. Fans enthusiastically chanted the name of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner repeatedly.
During the game, Messi had to display patience. He missed a chance to score in the 13th minute, attempting to bend the ball just inside the left edge of the goal from the middle of the box with his left-footed kick going narrowly wide. Messi’s shot off his right foot in the 37th minute from the top of the box was stopped by Nashville keeper Joe Willis.
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Just before half-time in stoppage time, Messi had an opportunity from a penalty kick, but his attempt from a set piece struck Nashville’s wall. Julian Gressel attempted to capitalize on the rebound, but Willis managed to block the shot as the half expired.
Shaffelburg wasted no time in putting Nashville ahead, scoring shortly after kickoff by lofting the ball over Drake Callender after receiving a pass from Moore. He celebrated by dropping to his knees after tucking the ball under the crossbar. Shaffelburg extended Nashville’s lead to 2-0, scoring from the left side off a pass from Sean Davis.
However, Miami fought back with Messi finally making his mark. Suarez provided the assist, finding Messi just outside the box. With his left foot, Messi managed to thread the ball between Willis’ outstretched right fingers and inside the left post in the 52nd minute, narrowing Miami’s deficit to 2-1.
Messi faced a scare late in regulation when Nashville defender Lukas Macnaughton accidentally stepped on his left calf. Despite the incident, Messi remained on the pitch after being checked by a trainer.
Before the match, Nashville announced a contract extension with German midfielder Hany Mukhtar, extending his tenure with the club through 2026. The 2022 MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner will continue with Nashville, with the club also holding an option for 2027. Mukhtar, a two-time All-Star, currently holds the club’s all-time records for goals, assists, and points.
In the 23rd minute, Callendar made an impressive save on a shot from Mukhtar at the post, showcasing his goalkeeping skills for Nashville.
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