“Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Inter Miami C.F. extended their unbeaten run to 10 games in their first MLS home game with Lionel Messi on Wednesday, but they were held to a scoreless draw by Nashville SC, dropping two significant points.
Messi ultimately took a day off, as is customary for him, and failed to have an impact on Inter Miami’s MLS debut. He didn’t score or provide an assist in his first game for Inter Miami, but he did lead the team with seven shots. In the dying seconds of the game, he had a great chance to win it, but Nashville SC goalkeeper Elliot Panicco made a save with his weak right foot to block Messi’s attempt.
The Argentine great has played nine games for Miami since entering Major League Soccer in July, winning all nine of them – six during regular play and three via penalty shootout in league cup, U.S. Open Cup, and MLS contests.
On Wednesday, Messi’s mystical left boot was unable to summon the pivotal play, and Miami dropped crucial points, which hurt their prospects of qualifying for the MLS playoffs. Since Messi’s arrival, Miami had never been held without a goal.
Nashville’s designated players, Walker Zimmerman and Sam Sarrièz, were not there, while the third DP, Hani Mukhtar, only participated for 45 minutes, indicating that their strategy was to maintain as many players as possible behind the ball from box to box.
Throughout the entire game, this tactic infuriated Miami’s players and coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. “When you put so many players in the opponent’s box, you are sure to keep a clean sheet,” said Martino, who also expressed sadness over not having enough time to work with his team after the game and credited his hectic schedule for the victory.
“I’ve been with the team for two months, but in actuality, I’ve only worked with them for around 50–52 days. We haven’t even worked with them for a whole week yet. We have not had the luxury of practicing and playing every four days to develop this group.
On Wednesday, Messi and Busquets shared the starting lineup; they both entered the Miami Red Bulls’ previous game against New York in the 60th minute.
Miami had no attempts on goal in the opening 60 minutes as they battled to breach Nashville’s defense, which was ranked eighth in the league. After Nashville’s Dax McCarty was fouled in the 60th minute, Messi tried to take a free kick, but Panicco stopped the attempt at the lower-left corner.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi attempted to add another goal to his incredible debut, scoring this time in the 94th minute to complete the victory against Mexican club Cruz Azul in the league cup debut. Nevertheless, Inter Miami supporters brought out their phones to record the free kick.
The subsequent call resulted in Nashville’s Honey Mukhtar’s 69th-minute offside goal being disallowed.
Messi got another chance in the 83rd minute, but the wall of defenders blocked his attempt.
Miami now has 22 points with 10 games remaining after the draw, 10 points behind Chicago Fire for the final playoff berth. At the conclusion of this week, LAFC will play at BMW Stadium in a match that Messi and company will attend.
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Due to international call-ups, Miami will have its longest vacation after this tournament, lasting for more than a month. They won’t play at home on the field again until September 9 against Sporting Kansas City. Sadly for Miami, Messi and about ten other players won’t be allowed to play in that game.
Inter Miami recently showed their home supporters the League Cup trophy before the draw on Wednesday. Prior to Messi, former captain Andrés Yedlin and current captain Daryl Dike all raised the club’s first championship trophy, according to co-owner Jorge Mas.