Inter Miami Secures Victory Over Nashville

FORT LAUDERDALE: Lionel Messi maintained his impressive form in Major League Soccer, establishing a new league benchmark for matches with multiple goals. He scored twice, leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 triumph against Nashville at Chase Stadium on Saturday.

The victory ended Nashville’s 15-game unbeaten sequence across all competitions, a club record. Messi, who now boasts a league record of scoring two or more goals in five straight MLS games, again proved pivotal.

Miami’s record improved to 4-0-1 in their most recent five fixtures. Despite the loss, Nashville entered the contest with a four-game MLS winning streak, demonstrating resilience, especially after leveling the score in the second half.

Messi initiated the scoring in the 17th minute with an exceptional free-kick, navigating the ball through the defensive wall and beyond the reach of Nashville’s goalkeeper, Joe Willis.

Nashville equalized in the 49th minute when Hany Mukhtar headed in his tenth goal of the season, capitalizing on a precise cross from Andy Najar. Patrick Yazbek also received credit for an assist.

However, Messi struck again in the 62nd minute, taking advantage of a significant error by Willis. The goalkeeper’s mishandled clearance attempt directed the ball into Messi’s path, who calmly finished to secure the win.

Following their exit from the FIFA Club World Cup at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami has rebounded with three successive wins.

Both teams resume action on Wednesday. Inter Miami will travel to compete against FC Cincinnati, while Nashville will host the Columbus Crew.