Argentine superstar Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to a commanding 3-1 victory over Nashville SC early Saturday morning at DRV PNK Stadium in Miami, in the first leg of the MLS Playoffs Round One.
Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a trademark finish before sealing the win with a second goal in stoppage time (+90’6). Tomas Allende added Miami’s second in the 62nd minute, assisted by Luis Suárez, in a dominant performance from the home side.
Nashville’s only goal came through Hany Mukhtar deep into stoppage time (+90’12), but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Messi delivered a stellar display, orchestrating attacks and scoring twice, bringing his tally to 31 goals across all competitions this season, reaffirming his status as the team’s driving force.
With this result, Inter Miami take a major step toward the next playoff round ahead of the return leg scheduled for November 2 in Nashville, where the hosts will face an uphill task against one of MLS’s most potent attacking sides.
