Messi sparks Miami response as first-half clash with Nashville sits locked at 1-1

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF are locked in a tense 1-1 first-half deadlock against Supporters' Shield leaders Nashville SC at Nu Stadium, where an 18th-minute Messi strike provoked a rapid own-goal equalizer. 12

Nashville opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Andy Nájar lofted a through ball over the Miami backline, allowing Sam Surridge to strike past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. 23

Miami answered through Messi's playmaking and direct shooting. After setting up Germán Berterame for an off-target attempt in the sixth minute, Messi unleashed a low, curling left-footed shot from outside the penalty area in the 18th minute. 12 Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake parried the strike wide for a corner kick. On the ensuing delivery in the 19th minute, Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting inadvertently flicked the ball into his own net to pull Miami level at 1-1. 23

Nashville created subsequent chances through Surridge and Cristian Espinoza, while the contest remained tied 1-1 as of the 08:05 Asia/Shanghai checkpoint. 12

Nashville entered the contest with 53 points atop the Eastern Conference, needing a victory to become the first club in Major League Soccer to secure a berth in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. 4

Second-place Inter Miami entered with 44 points, seeking to reduce Nashville's nine-point cushion following consecutive draws against Atlanta United and Chicago Fire. 45

Messi leads MLS with 31 goal contributions (18 goals and 13 assists), while interim coach Guillermo Hoyos manages the sideline during Cristian "Kily" González's visa clearance process. 45