Inter Miami complicated their path in the MLS 2025 playoffs after losing 2-1 to Nashville SC, in a match where not even a Lionel Messi goal in the final minutes was enough to avoid defeat.
With this result, the first round series was tied 1-1 and will be defined at Chase Stadium in Miami next weekend.
Messi shone again, but it wasn’t enough
⚽️💥 pic.twitter.com/JKixIPciUH
– Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 2, 2025
The 38-year-old Argentine star scored a spectacular goal in the 90th minute with his trademark left-footed strike at the near post, his 40th goal of the year and his third in the playoffs.
However, Inter did not have time to tie the game.
Messi, who recently renewed his contract until 2028, was once again the offensive engine of the team coached by Gerardo “Tata” Martino, although he faced a strong defense and a Nashville team that knew how to press high and close spaces.
With this new goal, the Argentine captain reaches 74 goals in the pink jersey, reaffirming his role as the club’s leader and maximum reference point since his arrival in 2023.
Nashville held its own
GEODIS Park experienced an intense night with a semi-final atmosphere. Nashville took an early lead thanks to England’s Sam Surridge, who safely converted a penalty kick, and widened the gap with a Josh Bauer goal after a rebound in the box from a set piece.
The home team showed a compact block and a defensive discipline that made Miami’s attack desperate at times.
Luis Suarez had the clearest chance before the break, with a shot that hit the post, while Messi could barely find space between the opposing defense.
Inter Miami will seek revenge at home
The Floridian team, which reached the playoffs as Supporters’ Shield champions based on its regular season performance, must win the third and decisive game if it wants to stay alive in the title race.
Last season, Martino’s team also won the first match of their series, lost the second and were eliminated at home in the third, precisely against Atlanta United.
A duel with Latin flavor
The game had a strong Latino presence both on the field and in the stands.
In addition to Messi and Suárez, the likes of Ecuador’s Leonardo Campana and Venezuela’s Josef Martínez, who came on in the second half, added dynamism to Miami’s attack.
For Nashville, Mexico’s Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who made headlines a few days ago due to a disciplinary suspension, did not see minutes, but was on the bench cheering on his teammates.
The third duel between Inter Miami and Nashville SC will be played next Saturday, November 8 at Chase Stadium, where a full house is expected.
The winner will advance to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference semifinals.
Despite the defeat, Messi’s message was clear at the end of the game: “We are still alive. In Miami it will be different.”
The series, like Messi himself, promises not to give up without first leaving everything on the field.
Filed under: Inter Miami suffers against Nashville
