Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance with a goal and an assist before departing the field due to a leg injury, propelling Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Nashville in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 clash on Wednesday night.
Messi initiated the scoring by providing a precise pass to his former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suárez, who found the back of the net in the eighth minute. The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient then doubled Miami’s lead with a first-half goal, setting the stage for their early dominance.
However, Messi’s impactful performance was cut short as he exited the match in the 50th minute due to a mild leg injury. Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino later confirmed that Messi’s withdrawal was a precaution after the injury began to trouble him during the game.
Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami maintained their momentum, with Robert Taylor extending their lead with a goal in the 63rd minute.
This victory secured Inter Miami’s advancement to the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals with a 5-3 aggregate score over the two legs.
Reflecting on Messi’s influence, Nashville coach Gary Smith acknowledged the Argentine’s exceptional talent, emphasizing his crucial role in shaping the game’s dynamics. Smith humorously expressed relief at Messi’s departure from the field, recognizing the daunting challenge of facing such a formidable opponent.
Although Nashville managed to find the net late in the match through Sam Surridge’s goal, their efforts were ultimately in vain as Miami emerged victorious.
This encounter marked the fourth meeting between Smith’s Nashville side and Messi’s Inter Miami since the Argentine’s arrival in MLS last summer. Despite their previous encounters resulting in draws, Miami’s triumph on Wednesday showcased Messi’s unparalleled impact on the pitch.
