Inter Miami’s playoff dreams are alive and kicking, thanks to a vintage performance from Lionel Messi. The Herons took a commanding 3-1 victory over Nashville SC in Game 1 of their MLS Cup Playoffs Round One best-of-three series, with Messi netting twice and adding an assist in front of a raucous home crowd at Chase Stadium.
Messi Dominates as Miami Takes Control
From the opening whistle, it was clear Inter Miami meant business.
Lionel Messi, fresh off winning the MLS Golden Boot and a finalist for league MVP, opened the scoring in the 19th minute. The Argentine maestro finished a slick move with a diving header, connecting with a pinpoint cross from his longtime strike partner Luis Suárez. The goal marked Messi’s 30th of the season, underlining his enduring brilliance at age 38.
Miami doubled their lead in the 62nd minute, capitalizing while Nashville was temporarily down to ten men due to an injury substitution. Tadeo Allende rose highest to head home a cross from Ian Fray, notching his first postseason goal and putting the Herons firmly in the driver’s seat.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Messi struck again. Pouncing on a spilled cross from Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis, he tapped in his 31st goal of the campaign, effectively sealing the win and sending the home fans into celebration mode.
Nashville’s Late Response Not Enough
Nashville SC, who entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, struggled to break down Miami’s defense for most of the match. Their lone bright spot came in the dying moments, when Hany Mukhtar curled in a direct free kick deep into stoppage time. It was too little, too late for the Boys in Gold, who now face elimination unless they can turn things around at home in Game 2.
A Rivalry with Recent History
This playoff clash is just the latest chapter in a heated rivalry. Inter Miami has now gone unbeaten in their last nine matches against Nashville, a streak that began even before Messi’s arrival in July 2023. The Herons have repeatedly dashed Nashville’s hopes, knocking them out of the U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and CONCACAF Champions Cup over the past two years.
Nashville will look to their own stars—MVP finalist Sam Surridge and former MVP Hany Mukhtar—to spark a comeback in the next leg. Surridge, who scored 24 goals in the regular season, was kept quiet by Miami’s backline in Game 1.
What’s Next: Do-or-Die in Nashville
The series now shifts to GEODIS Park in Nashville for Game 2 on November 1. Inter Miami needs just one more win to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in club history. If Nashville can defend their home turf, a decisive Game 3 will be played back in Miami on November 8.
Fans can catch all the action on FS1, Fox Deportes, and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as the league’s landmark broadcast deal continues into its third year.
Takeaways and What to Watch
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Messi remains the difference-maker: His two goals and assist were the clear highlights, and he continues to deliver in high-stakes moments.
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Nashville must regroup: With their season on the line, expect tactical adjustments and a fired-up home crowd in Game 2.
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Miami’s supporting cast steps up: Allende and Suárez provided crucial contributions, showing Miami’s attack is more than just Messi.
The pressure is now squarely on Nashville SC. Can they flip the script at home, or will Messi and Miami march on toward MLS Cup glory?
Sources
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2. REPORT: Auburn's Bruce Pearl Set to Retire, New HC ...
3. Renasant Recap: Nashville Soccer Club Drops Game One ...
4. Most NFL Fantasy Football Points in a Game
5. Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Nashville SC: A Messi ...
6. Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) - profile
7. MATCH RECAP: Inter Miami CF Claims 3-1 Win, Pulls ...
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9. Lionel Messi, Inter Miami dominate Nashville in Game 1
10. Juventus: Pressure mounting on Igor Tudor as winless run ...
11. Inter Miami CF 3-1 Nashville | Messi & Allende for Victory
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