Inter Miami’s perfect record with Lionel Messi comes to an end as Nashville SC became the first team to stop the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and pick up a point in MLS
Nashville SC managed something that no other team has since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami – stop the superstar from making an impact.
In the U.S. Open Cup semi-final last week, FC Cincinnati became the first team to stop Messi from scoring. But the 36-year-old still assisted twice as they won on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time. With 11 goals in nine games since joining Miami, Messi has managed to score against every other opponent he’s faced.
One of those opponents was Nashville, who Messi scored against in the Leagues Cup final before Miami went on to win the competition. It was the first final for both MLS teams, and Miami claimed their first trophy as a franchise.
It may not have been of equal importance, but Nashville managed to get their revenge by stopping Miami from winning its first home MLS game with Messi in the side. They also stopped their 100 percent record with Messi, as they held on for a 0-0 draw.