Messi’s magic missing as Inter Miami and Nashville draw blank

Lionel Messi’s first home game for Inter Miami ended in disappointment as the MLS club was held to a 0-0 draw by Nashville SC on Wednesday night. It was the first time that Messi failed to score or assist for his new team, which had won nine consecutive matches in all competitions since his arrival in July.

Messi had two chances to break the deadlock from free kicks, but Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco denied him both times. The Argentine superstar also struggled to find his usual rhythm and creativity against a well-organized Nashville defense that frustrated him and his teammates.

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino admitted that his team was not at its best and blamed fatigue for the lackluster performance. He said that the team had not had enough time to train and gel after playing several games in a short span, including the Leagues Cup final against Nashville on Aug. 19, which Miami won on penalties.

Nashville, meanwhile, was happy to take a point from the game and extend its unbeaten run to six matches. The visitors were without some key players due to injuries and rested their star playmaker Hany Mukhtar, who came on as a substitute in the second half. Nashville coach Gary Smith praised his team’s defensive effort and said that they deserved to keep a clean sheet against Messi and co.

The result left Inter Miami in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind the playoff line with 11 games remaining. Nashville moved up to third place, four points behind the leaders New England Revolution. Both teams will be back in action on Sunday, with Inter Miami visiting LAFC and Nashville hosting Orlando City.

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