Nashville SC Routs Inter Miami 4-1 as Messi Misses Third Straight Penalty

Lionel Messi failed to convert a 23rd-minute penalty in a 4-1 loss to Nashville SC, marking his third consecutive miss from the spot.

Nashville SC defeated Inter Miami 4-1 at Geodis Park on Saturday, anchored by two goals from Hany Mukhtar and a 23rd-minute penalty save by Brian Schwake against Lionel Messi. The result marks Miami’s third consecutive defeat and leaves them five points behind first-place Nashville in the Eastern Conference standings with 15 regular-season games remaining. Andy Nájar opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute before Messi’s attempt to equalize from the spot was stopped low to the right by Schwake. Although Sergio Reguilón converted the rebound, the goal was overturned for encroachment following a video review.

Inter Miami leveled the score in first-half stoppage time when Telasco Segovia found the net after receiving a pass from Messi. However, Nashville regained control early in the second half. Sam Surridge scored a back-heeled goal to make it 2-1, followed by Mukhtar’s first strike of the evening. During the buildup to Surridge’s goal, Messi was cautioned with a yellow card for his intense protests to the referee regarding an uncalled foul. The 39-year-old forward, returning to the starting XI for the first time since the death of his father, Jorge, also saw a potential goal ruled out for offside and hit both posts during a single attacking sequence in second-half stoppage time.

Historical Penalty Struggles and Roster Updates

Messi’s failure to convert from the spot is his first MLS penalty miss since September 13, 2025. According to ESPN Research, this is the first time since 2014 that the Argentine has failed to score on three successive penalty attempts. The streak includes two misses for Argentina during the summer World Cup against Austria in the group stage and Egypt in the round of 16. Prior to this three-game losing skid, Miami had gone six matches without a defeat in league play.

The club entered Saturday's fixture following two losses in the Leagues Cup against Liga MX sides Monterrey and León, which resulted in an exit before the knockout phase. Luis Suárez remained unavailable for the match against Nashville, continuing a suspension incurred during last year’s final that kept him out for the duration of the Leagues Cup. Messi had previously appeared as a substitute in the loss to León on Wednesday after missing the Monterrey game entirely.

Defensive Errors and Conference Standings

Nashville’s final goal arrived in second-half stoppage time after a significant error by Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. The keeper slipped while positioned well outside his penalty area, failing to intercept a long kick from Nashville goalkeeper Schwake. The ball reached an onrushing Mukhtar, who walked the ball into the empty net to secure his second goal of the match. This victory allows Nashville to maintain their position at the top of the Supporters' Shield standings.

Inter Miami, the defending MLS Cup champions, missed the opportunity to leapfrog Nashville for the top spot in the East. The team will attempt to end their losing streak on Wednesday when they travel to face the Philadelphia Union. The loss at Geodis Park occurred despite Miami having both Messi and Segovia involved in their lone scoring play, while Nashville capitalized on clinical finishing from their former MVP and Surridge to extend their lead at the summit of the table.