Messi Inter Miami defeat sees Nashville win 2-1 despite late goal, forcing a decisive MLS playoff game three in tense Eastern Conference clash

Messi Inter Miami defeat storyline unfolded dramatically on Saturday night as Nashville SC edged a 2-1 victory to keep their MLS Cup playoff hopes alive, despite a late strike from Lionel Messi.

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Under the rain-soaked lights of Geodis Park in Tennessee, Nashville’s Sam Surridge and Josh Bauer struck in the first half to give the hosts full control, leaving Inter Miami chasing shadows until Messi’s 89th-minute consolation.

Surridge opened the scoring in the ninth minute, calmly converting a penalty after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo hesitated on a challenge. The English forward slotted home to the right, sending the home crowd into early celebration.

As Miami struggled to regain footing, Bauer doubled the lead just before half-time, sliding in left-footed from a Hany Mukhtar corner to make it 2-0.

Miami showed more intent after the restart, with Luis Suárez forcing a sharp save from Nashville’s Joe Willis midway through the second half. Yet it wasn’t until the dying minutes that Messi found a moment of brilliance.

Receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul in the box, the Argentine maestro feinted past his defender and curled a left-footed shot into the top right corner—his 89th-minute effort proving too late to turn the tide.

The Messi Inter Miami defeat means the Florida side, who won the first leg 3-1 thanks to a Messi brace, must now face a decisive game three at home. The loss revived memories of last season’s heartbreak, when Miami exited the playoffs after losing two straight games to Atlanta United despite an opening win.

Elsewhere, Philadelphia Union, the Eastern Conference top seeds, cruised into the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Chicago Fire, thanks to a brace from Tai Baribo and a goal from Bruno Damiani. Goalkeeper Andre Blake saved a penalty to seal their dominant display.

Charlotte FC forced a game three against New York City FC after a penalty shoot-out win, while in the Western Conference, Vancouver Whitecaps advanced past FC Dallas on penalties following Ralph Priso’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser.

Meanwhile, Portland Timbers kept their campaign alive, defeating Western leaders San Diego in a shoot-out after a tense 2-2 draw.

Also read: Messi Fires Inter Miami to MLS Playoffs with Two Goals

The next round promises fireworks as the MLS Cup playoffs tighten, and Messi Inter Miami defeat ensures the spotlight stays firmly on Miami’s do-or-die home clash in the coming week.