Lionel Messi’s excellent second-half strike was not sufficient as Inter Miami’s hopes of regaining the MLS Supporters’ Defend have been hit by a 2-2 draw against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC at Nu Stadium on Saturday night time.
Messi scored with a trademark left-footed curling strike within the second half however Sam Surridge had the ultimate say with a dramatic injury-time equaliser as Nashville preserved their nine-point lead on the prime of the desk.
Surridge had earlier given Nashville an early lead just for visiting defender Reed Baker-Whiting to look Messi’s nook into his personal internet after 19 minutes.
The Argentine famous person was a continuing menace and had two extra possibilities to make it 2-1 earlier than half-time. His first effort was blocked and the second, a free-kick from exterior the world, flew simply extensive.
He did discover the again of the web shortly after the hour mark, buying and selling passes with Rodrigo De Paul, earlier than putting his shot previous Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake. It was Messi’s nineteenth aim of the season, transferring him one forward of FC Dallas’ Petar Musa within the race for the Golden Boot.
Surridge has closing say to disclaim Messi and Miami
Schwake stored his facet within the contest, tipping Messi’s shot on to the put up, earlier than Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios produced an excellent last-ditch headed clearance to disclaim him once more.
And Nashville utilized the sucker punch late on when Surridge tapped in after Shak Mohammed’s shot was palmed into his path by residence goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.
There was nonetheless time for De Paul to hit the put up however Nashville held on. The draw means Miami, who claimed the Supporters’ Defend in 2024, have gained simply one of many final 9 video games in all competitions.
Defender Facunda Mura mentioned: “Clearly, there’s frustration – feeling like we have been the higher facet solely to have the three factors snatched away within the closing moments. However there’s additionally the sensation that the crew did handle to maintain possession and create scoring possibilities.
“We have to enhance in order that we don’t at all times have to attain so many targets simply to get the win; we have to really feel a bit safer on the again and cease conceding, in order that the targets we do rating are sufficient.”
Guillermo Hoyos continues to steer the facet whereas Miami anticipate a piece visa for brand new coach Kily Gonzalez. Hoyos is more likely to be in cost once more for Wednesday night time’s Campeones Cup conflict with Mexican facet Cruz Azul.
“We now have nice gamers, and now we have to compete for each trophy we play for,” Mura added. “Sadly, issues haven’t gone our means within the CONCACAF Champions Cup or the Leagues Cup. We haven’t gotten the outcomes we wished; we’re effectively conscious of that. However in the end, we’re right here to maintain working and continue to grow.
“We’re beginning a brand new section with a brand new coach, and everyone knows we have to give extra to assist the crew enhance and attain a better stage – particularly since now we have a closing developing in simply 4 days that we actually wish to win.”
Western Convention
- Place 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 : Promotion – MLS (Play Offs: 1/8-finals)
- Place 8, 9 : Promotion – MLS (Play Offs: 1/16-finals)
Japanese Convention
- Place 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 : Promotion – MLS (Play Offs: 1/8-finals)
- Place 8, 9 : Promotion – MLS (Play Offs: 1/16-finals)
Nashville march on as Messi’s hopes wilt
Whereas there was frustration for Miami, it was an excellent end result for Nashville, who at the moment are in pole place to land silverware with simply 9 video games remaining within the common season.
“This was an enormous boys’ recreation tonight,” Nashville head coach BJ Callaghan mentioned. “Two actually good groups going toe to toe.
“I assumed the sport had a whole lot of depth, a whole lot of physicality, some high-level play. Actually pleased with the group.”
Nashville are in motion once more subsequent Saturday once they face Chicago Fireplace at GEODIS Park.
