Nashville SC pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the MLS matchday.
With a dominant performance and a two-goal game from Hany Mukhtar, the Tennessee team defeated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-1 on Saturday night.
The match pitted two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams against each other, so there was much more at stake than just three points: it was also a direct battle to stay at the top of the standings.
And Nashville came out on top.
Messi Returned to the Starting Lineup Following His Father’s Death
One of the main focal points of the match was Lionel Messi, who returned to the starting lineup following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8 at the age of 68.
The Argentine had returned to the field a few days earlier to play the second half of Inter Miami’s loss to León in the Leagues Cup.
However, this was his first start since his father’s death.
Messi was looking to help the Miami team get back on track, but the night ended up being a tough one for the captain.
Messi missed a penalty kick, and Nashville capitalized
Inter Miami had a golden opportunity to take the lead.
In the 23rd minute, Messi stepped up to take the penalty kick, but goalkeeper Brian Schwake guessed the direction of the shot and managed to stop it.
The rebound landed at the feet of Sergio Reguilón, who sent the ball into the back of the net.
It looked like Miami was taking the lead, but the celebration was short-lived.
The goal was disallowed because Reguilón had entered the box too early during the penalty kick.
The score remained 0-0.
Andy Najar put Nashville ahead
Before Messi could get his revenge, Nashville struck first.
In the 16th minute, Andy Najar stepped up to score his first goal of the season.
He received a pass from Elias Saad and connected with a header that found the left post.
1-0 for Nashville.
The home team was starting to gain confidence against one of the most dangerous teams in MLS.
Miami tied the game, but Nashville responded immediately
Inter Miami managed to bounce back at the start of the second half.
In the 48th minute, Telasco Segovia made a great individual play and scored the equalizer.
The score was 1-1, and it looked like the game might take a different turn.
But Nashville had other plans.
In that very same minute, Hany Mukhtar stepped up to restore the lead.
The German received a pass from Saad and finished it off to put Nashville back in the lead.
2-1.
And just a few minutes later, another blow came.
Sam Surridge extends the lead
In the 56th minute, Nashville found the back of the net once more.
This time it was Sam Surridge who stepped up to score the home team’s third goal.
The forward surprised everyone with a backheel shot to make it 3-1, also notching his twelfth goal of the season for Nashville.
Miami was on the ropes.
Mukhtar completes his brace and seals the win
Hany Mukhtar’s night still had one more chapter to go.
In the 62nd minute, a mistake by Inter Miami effectively sealed the match.
Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo misjudged a goal kick by Schwake and ended up falling to the ground.
Mukhtar capitalized on the loose ball, took control, and made no mistake.
The forward scored his second goal of the night, making the final score 4-1.
Nashville had the victory in the bag.
Nashville’s second victory over Messi
The result holds special significance for Nashville SC.
This was only the club’s second victory over Inter Miami since Lionel Messi’s arrival.
Furthermore, defeating one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference is a major confidence boost in the race for the top spots in MLS.
For Miami, on the other hand, it was another tough night following their loss to León.
Messi and Inter Miami will need to bounce back
The Argentine had a few chances but was unable to make a difference on the scoreboard.
The penalty saved by Schwake ended up being one of the defining moments of the match, and Nashville capitalized on virtually every mistake made by their opponent.
Now, Inter Miami will have to move on quickly.
When do they play next?
Both Nashville and Inter Miami will be back in action on Wednesday.
- Nashville SC will visit the New York Red Bulls.
- Inter Miami will play on the road against the Philadelphia Union.
After the crushing defeat against Nashville, Messi and company will have little time to recover and come up with a response.
For now, Nashville SC is celebrating a 4-1 victory that could end up being very important in the race for the top of the Eastern Conference.
