⚽ Lionel Messi scored a late goal, but Inter Miami fell 2-1 to Nashville SC in Game 2 of their MLS Cup Playoffs first-round series, forcing a decisive Game 3.
In a rain-soaked clash at GEODIS Park, Nashville SC came out firing, scoring twice in the first half to level the best-of-three series against Inter Miami. Sam Surridge opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a penalty, followed by a 45th-minute header* off a corner kick.
Despite Lionel Messi pulling one back in the 90th minute with a stunning right-footed strike—his sixth goal in just three matches against Nashville—it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback. The Argentine’s goal injected late drama, but Nashville held firm to secure their first playoff win since 2021 and their first victory over Inter Miami since May 2023.
Inter Miami had more possession (61%) and outshot Nashville 10 to 9, but couldn’t convert their dominance into goals. The loss sets up a high-stakes Game 3 on November 8 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, where the winner will advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the frustration post-match:
> “We have to swallow the anger, build it up throughout the whole week so we can unleash it next Saturday”.
The Herons had entered the match with momentum after a 3-1 win in Game 1, where Messi scored twice. But Nashville’s early aggression and clinical finishing proved decisive in Game 2. The Coyotes also managed to contain Messi for most of the match, only conceding in the dying minutes.
What’s Next?
- 🗓️ Game 3: November 8, 2025
- 📍 Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
- 🎟️ Winner advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals
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