After Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup win, the Argentine also made a perfect debut in MLS. Against Nashville, Miami remained without a win for the first time.
An unfamiliar feeling for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami: For the first time since the arrival of the Argentine superstar in mid-July, the club has not won. Against Nashville SC, the club of co-owner David Beckham could not get beyond a 0-0 draw. Messi himself was on the pitch for the entire match in his second MLS game. In his debut with the New York Red Bulls, the world champion had still been substituted – and immediately successful.
The home side, who featured ex-Barça stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in the starting eleven, were under pressure from time to time against a strong Nashville side led by German striker Hany Mukhtar – named the league’s most valuable player last season. A goal by Mukhtar was disallowed for offside (70th).
Messi fails to score in injury time – Miami still in bottom of table
On the other side, Messi missed several good free-kick opportunities in front of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but had another chance to get the lucky punch in injury time. However, the world champion’s low shot found its master in Nashville keeper Elliot Panicco (90.+1) after a remarkable dribble on the right side.
In the final of the Leagues Cup, Miami had won 10:9 in a penalty shootout against Nashville. With the draw, Miami remain stuck in the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings in 14th place (21 points) after winning the title. Messi and Co. will play again on Sunday night (4 a.m. CEST) at Los Angeles FC
