What a match. What a finish. What an incredible run for Lionel Mesi. Inter Miami CF defeated Nashville SC 3-1 at Chase Stadium tonight in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match. The team secured their quarterfinal berth with an aggregate score of 5-3. The team’s goals were scored by striker Luis Suárez, captain Lionel Messi, and winger Robert Taylor.
KEY NOTES
Inter Miami began the second leg Round of 16 match with Drake Callender in goal. Julian Gressel, Tomás Avilés, Sergii Kryvtsov, Nicolás Freire, and Jordi Alba formed a five-man backline. Diego Gómez, Sergio Busquets, and Federico Redondo started in midfield. The captain Messi and Suárez led the attack.
MATCH RECAP:- Inter Miami
The hosts scored an early goal in the match, thanks to a sublime assist from Messi. Suárez scored the fourth goal of the season, tying for four in his last four matches. Messi’s assist was his first in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup and his second of the season. The team’s performance was fantastic, with Suárez’s goal and Messi’s assist showcasing their impressive play. Inter Miami scored a second goal in the third minute, thanks to Messi’s left-footed strike.
The play began with a run from Gómez, who broke into the box and passed to Messi. The goal extended the hosts’ lead to 2-0, Messi’s second in the series and his fourth this campaign. The assist was the first for Gómez in 2024. Inter second half began with a spectacular stop by Callender in the 54th minute, who showed fast reflexes to send a close range effort inside the box, keeping Nashville scoreless.
Inter Miami extended their lead in a match against the visitors by scoring a goal in the 63rd minute. Gressel passed the ball to Suárez outside the box, who sent a perfectly timed cross for Finnish winger Taylor.
Taylor’s header beat the keeper, putting the hosts ahead 3-0. This was Taylor’s first goal in the competition and his second of the season. While Suárez’s assist increased his tally for the year to five. Nashville’s striker Sam Surridge scored in the third minute of stoppage time to cut the hosts’ advantage to one. The 3-1 result stayed undisturbed during the last seconds, allowing Inter Miami to win at Chase Stadium and the Round of 16 series with a 5-3 aggregate score, securing a quarterfinals spot.
POST MATCH REACTIONS:- Inter Miami
The Head Coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino praised the team’s early scoring and defensive organization in the first half, stating that they performed exceptionally well. He said “Today we scored early and then it was them that had to take the initiative, but I think that we were organized defensively in the first half. I think it’s something we did really well,”
NEXT MATCH
Inter Miami will return to MLS regular season play on Saturday, March 16, against D.C. United at Audi Field at 2 p.m. ET.
Key Takeaway:
- Messi Magic: Lionel Messi’s comeback was crucial for Inter Miami. His vision, ingenuity, and clinical finishing were on full show, contributing directly to two of the team’s objectives.
- Suarez Steps Up: Luis Suarez demonstrated his predatory instincts with a well-taken goal in the first minutes. Laying the groundwork for Inter Miami’s confident performance.
- Defensive Resilience: Inter Miami’s backline,which has been heavily criticised in the past. This remained composed and held fast against a relentless Nashville onslaught.
CONCLUSION
Inter Miami’s precise finishing and tenacious defence led to a comfortable 3-1 victory against Nashville SC. Lionel Messi’s comeback was a game changer, and Luis Suarez and Robert Taylor made significant contributions up front. This result advances Inter Miami to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. This marked a big step forward for the team under Phil Neville’s leadership. While Nashville showed signs of improvement in the second half. Inter Miami’s overwhelming domination throughout the game was obvious. With a solid performance and momentum behind them, Inter Miami sets their sights on the next challenge, hoping to continue their path to regional success.
