During the 32nd week of the MLS season, Nashville SC faced a tough defeat against Inter Miami, losing 5-2 at Geodis Park. The home side saw goals from Sam Surridge in the 42nd minute and Jacob Shaffelburg in the 50th minute. In contrast, Inter Miami’s scoring was spearheaded by Lionel Messi, who netted three goals at the 34th minute of the first half, the 62nd minute from a penalty, and again at the 70th minute. Baltasar Rodríguez added another in the 67th minute, while Telasco Segovia sealed the victory with a goal in the 91st minute.
Both teams had their chances, with shots that hit the woodwork; however, players like Hany Mukhtar and Messi were unable to find the net at those moments.
Messi’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the match, earning him the title of man of the match. The Argentine star executed a total of 36 accurate passes and attempted 7 shots on goal.
Ian Fray also performed well for Inter Miami, completing 22 successful passes.
Nashville’s head coach, B. J. Callaghan, employed a 4-3-3 formation with Joseph Willis in goal; Andy Nájar, Jack Maher, Walker Zimmerman, and Daniel Lovitz in defense; Edvard Tagseth, Patrick Yazbek, and Alex Muyl in midfield; along with Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, and Jacob Shaffelburg leading the attack.
On the other hand, Inter Miami, led by Javier Mascherano, set up a 4-5-1 formation with Rocco Ríos Novo in goal; Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Luján, Maximiliano Falcón, and Jordi Alba in defense; Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, and Baltasar Rodríguez in midfield; and Luis Suárez at the front.
Jon Freemon officiated the match at Geodis Park.
Substitutions for Nashville SC
55’ 2H – Jacob Shaffelburg out for Tyler Boyd
72’ 2H – Patrick Yazbek out for Gastón Brugman
87’ 2H – Edvard Tagseth out for Bryan Acosta and Hany Mukhtar out for Teal Bunbury
Booking for Nashville SC:
19’ 2H – Hany Mukhtar
Substitutions for Inter Miami
65’ 2H – Gonzalo Luján out for Telasco Segovia and Marcelo Weigandt out for Ian Fray
73’ 2H – Baltasar Rodríguez out for Yannick Bright and Alex Muyl out for Josh Bauer
82’ 2H – Tadeo Allende out for Tomás Avilés
Bookings for Inter Miami:
21’ 1H – Tadeo Allende and 23’ 2H – Rodrigo De Paul