Lionel Messi’s dominant run with Inter Miami was supposed to come to an end at some point. The club didn’t lose on Wednesday night, but after joining the Argentine star’s organisation last month, it couldn’t secure a victory for the first time. Miami and Nashville SC tied 0-0 in their Major League Soccer match at DRV PNK Stadium in South Florida. Nashville became the first team to hold Miami without a goal in Messi’s 10 games with the club. Miami took 13 shots in the match, with seven from Messi, although Nashville blocked six.
Messi had his debut with Miami almost a month ago and has scored in every game played during his entry, bagging goals or assists. He has netted 10 goals in seven league games and scored twice in a thrilling win against Nashville’s Wilde US Open Cup in the semi-finals last week. On Saturday, Messi netted his first MLS goal in the 89th minute to secure Miami’s 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls. Messi has completely transformed the fortunes of the club at the bottom of the Major League Soccer standings and has made his mark for Nashville as well. They started the month with a 1-1 draw in the League’s Cup Championship game but then Miami triumphed in an epic penalty shootout with 11 rounds, claiming the title – a first for any club in such a format. Floyd Mayweather and Ken Griffey Jr. were in attendance on Wednesday night. Griffey was on the sidelines with his camera, capturing images of the match for his new media venture
Despite the excitement and Miami’s win in the League’s Cup, the team couldn’t alter the fate of Fort Lauderdale, falling short. Messi delivered a solid free-kick attempt in the 60th minute, but it didn’t find the net. He also made a late push in stoppage time, but Nashville’s keeper, Will, denied him before the final whistle. Miami controlled 71% of the possession and dominated nearly every category. The club had five shots on target out of Nashville’s two, with a passing accuracy of 93%. However, despite these efforts, Miami received nine fouls and four yellow cards during the match. With 21 points and a record of 6-3-14 in the MLS, Miami’s position isn’t the worst in the league. Nashville SC stands at the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings with an 11-5-9 record and 38 points. Miami will move forward to face LAFC on Sunday in Los Angeles.
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