Messi scored a dramatic goal, but Nashville avoids elimination by forcing a third game: 2-1
Lionel Messi scored a dramatic goal, but it wasn't enough to prevent Nashville from winning 2-1 and forcing a third game in the MLS playoffs
Not even the stunning goal from Argentine star Lionel Messi could prevent Nashville SC from winning 2-1 and forcing a third game in the playoffs next Saturday at Chase Stadium against Inter Miami, to determine the winner of this series in the playoff series for the MLS title MLS.
Lionel scored a great goal with a left-footed shot to the near post, but it wasn't enough to decide the series in two games, after the Florida team had won 3-1 last week in the opening game.
Now, with goals from Sam Surridge, from the penalty spot, and Josh Bauer, the Tennessee team managed to overcome the tough Herons, who are the favorites, but Nashville's strength cannot be ignored.
The goal by the leader of the Argentine national team was his third in these playoffs and reached forty this year, after the famous Flea was the top scorer in the MLS this season with 29 goals.
The match between the two teams represented the third time they have faced each other in a span of 15 days, after meeting on Decision Day and in the first game of the playoffs.
Nashville had the great motivation of their home crowd to take a two-goal lead with goals from Surridge, who confidently converted a penalty, and Bauer, who capitalized on a rebound in the penalty area after a set piece.
But Inter Miami can't complain about a lack of chances, as Luis Suarez hit the post in the first half and then Messi had a chance in extra time to reduce the deficit, but it wasn't enough to prevent the setback in the second leg of the tie.
Unfortunately, Messi couldn't continue celebrating the renewal of his contract with Inter Miami until 2028; he has 74 goals in the Florida club's jersey, which he joined in 2023.
This result revives the ghosts of last season for Inter Miami under Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, as they were eliminated by Atlanta United. They won the first game at home against the Georgia team, then lost the second at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and were eliminated in a third game at Chase Stadium—a major failure for the Herons that cost the Argentine coach his job.