Lionel Messi - Getty Images
Inter Miami CF played their first Major League Soccer game at home with Lionel Messi, but they couldn’t score and ended up with a 0-0 draw against Nashville SC.
Messi’s Performance and Chances
Messi had a quieter game than usual, with no goals or assists. He had seven shots, including a last-minute attempt to win the game, but Nashville’s keeper Elliot Panicco made a crucial save.
Before this match, Messi had won all nine games he played for Miami since joining MLS in July. But this time, he couldn’t produce any magic with his left foot, and Miami lost points in their quest to make it to the MLS playoffs. It was the first time Miami didn’t score since Messi joined.
Nashville’s Defensive Strategy
Nashville’s game plan was clear: defend with as many players as possible. This frustrated Miami’s players and coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Martino said, “When you put that many players in the opponent’s box, of course, you’ll keep a clean sheet.” He also mentioned the lack of time to work with his squad due to a busy schedule.
Key Moments in the Match
Messi started the game with his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. However, Miami couldn’t even get a shot at the goal in the first 60 minutes of the game.
Messi tried a free kick in the 61st minute, but the Nashville goalkeeper stopped it. Inter Miami fans were still hopeful, recording the moment just in case Messi pulled off another amazing goal like he did in his first game, but they ended up disappointed.
Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar had a goal cancelled because of an offside call in the 69th minute.
Messi had another chance in the 83rd minute, but his shot was blocked by defenders.
Impact on Inter Miami’s Playoff Hopes and Upcoming Matches
The draw leaves Miami with 22 points and 10 games remaining, trailing a playoff position by 10 points, currently occupied by the Chicago Fire FC. Up next, they’ll face Los Angeles FC, followed by a longer break before their match against Sporting Kansas City on September 9th. However, Inter Miami will be without Messi and 10 other players for the Kansas City game due to international call-ups.
Source: ESPN
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