Messi misses penalty as Nashville crush Inter Miami 4-1

Lionel Messi endured a frustrating night as Inter Miami suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Nashville SC in a top-of-the-table Major League Soccer clash on Saturday.

The Argentina and Inter Miami captain missed a first-half penalty, received a yellow card and saw his team’s seven-match unbeaten MLS run come to an end. Despite the disappointment, Messi still produced a moment of quality by assisting Inter Miami’s only goal.

Nashville made the perfect start when Honduran defender Andy Najar rose to head the hosts into a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute.

Miami were handed an opportunity to respond six minutes later when Messi stepped up from the penalty spot. However, his effort lacked power and Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake made a comfortable save.

Messi’s struggles from penalties have become an unusual feature of his otherwise remarkable career. The latest miss added further frustration for the superstar forward, who has also failed to convert from the spot on major international occasions.

Inter Miami eventually found an equaliser in first-half stoppage time. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia fired a right-footed effort into the net after receiving an assist from Messi.

The momentum, however, quickly shifted back to Nashville after the break. Hany Mukhtar restored the home side’s advantage in the 49th minute before England striker Sam Surridge extended the lead.

Mukhtar then struck again in the 63rd minute to complete a memorable individual performance and put Nashville firmly in control at 4-1.

Messi was booked in the 59th minute, adding to an increasingly difficult evening for the veteran forward. In stoppage time, he came agonisingly close to finding the net when his effort struck both posts.

The victory strengthened Nashville’s position at the top of the MLS standings with 43 points from 19 matches. Inter Miami remained second on 38 points.

The defeat also ended Miami’s impressive away record and seven-game unbeaten league streak, while Nashville maintained its unbeaten home record in MLS.

The result adds another chapter to the growing rivalry between the two sides, with Nashville having also eliminated Inter Miami from the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this year.