Messi penalty miss became one of the defining moments as Inter Miami suffered a 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC in a crucial MLS clash on Saturday. The outcome was yet another setback for Argentine star Lionel Messi as he struggled to recover from the loss of his father, Jorge Messi.
The hosts were leading from the start in the 17th minute when an Andy Nájar headed a goal past the visitors for them. Miami got a clear chance six minutes later when Luis Suárez was booked offside after Casemiro was able to create a chance inside the box.
Messi came on from the spot but his low shot was saved by the hands of Nashua goalkeeper Brian Schwake. The rebound was picked up by Sergio Reguilón, but found to be in violation with a video review for encroachment in the area. Miami were given an equaliser just before half-time. Messi opened the scoring for Telasco Segovia to give them a 1-1 lead at the half-time mark.
But it was Nashville that would take the lead following the break. Hany Mukhtar put the home side on the lead in the 49th minute but Sam Surridge extended the lead again. Mukhtar then scored again in the 63rd minute to pull off a 4-1 win and maintain the No. 1 spot in the MLS.
The penalty miss was especially remarkable for Messi, who made the third straight difficult penalty kick in a row for the Argentina captain. He was also issued a yellow card in the second half for protesting a decision by the referee.
In stoppage time, Messi was close to scoring once again late in the match, hitting both posts. Miami’s defeat ended a seven-match winning streak in the MLS and pushed the team five points back to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
