Nashville, TN – Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC played to a scoreless draw Wednesday night at GEODIS Park in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 series. The match, played in heavy rain, saw both teams create opportunities, but ultimately it was the goalkeepers, Brian Schwake for Nashville and Dayne St. Clair for Inter Miami, who stole the show with crucial saves. Lionel Messi, chasing a milestone 900th career goal, was denied by Schwake in a pivotal moment of the contest.
The series now shifts to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the second leg will be played next Wednesday. Inter Miami will need a win to advance, as the away goals rule favors Nashville in the event of another tie. The winner of this tie will face either Club América of Mexico or the Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals in April, with a coveted spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup on the line.
This first leg offered a compelling preview of what promises to be a tightly contested series. Nashville, energized by their home crowd, came out strong, outshooting Miami 15-8 and putting four shots on goal. However, St. Clair proved equal to the task, denying Nashville’s advances. Inter Miami, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent attacking rhythm, with Messi largely contained by a determined Nashville defense.
Messi Denied Milestone Goal
All eyes were on Lionel Messi as he entered the match just one goal shy of reaching the historic 900-goal mark across his professional career. He’d previously scored 15 goals in 10 matches against Nashville, more than against any other MLS opponent since joining the league in July 2023. However, Nashville proved a difficult opponent once again, holding Messi scoreless for just the second time in 11 games against them.
The closest Messi came to adding to his tally was in the 57th minute. He unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot from inside the area, but Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake was able to parry it away, preventing a moment that would have etched his name further into football history. Germán Berterame was unable to capitalize on the rebound, with his attempt deflected off a defender.
Defensive Stalemate at GEODIS Park
While Messi’s pursuit of goal number 900 dominated the pre-match narrative, the game itself was a tactical battle defined by strong defensive performances. Nashville’s defense, led by a resolute backline, effectively limited Inter Miami’s attacking opportunities. St. Clair, in goal for Inter Miami, was equally impressive, making four crucial saves to keep the score level.
Nashville also had their chances to break the deadlock. In the second half, Warren Madrigal and Hany Mukhtar both missed opportunities from close range, sending their shots wide of the target. Mukhtar came close in the 69th minute, his attempt narrowly missing the right post. St. Clair also made a key save in the 64th minute, denying a headed effort from Nashville.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the challenge posed by Nashville, stating after the match, “We grasp them, and they know us. When the game finishes nil-nil, it’s due to the fact that both teams were thinking about how to disturb the opponent’s attack.” Nashville coach B.J. Callahan echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance but also acknowledging there’s work to be done before the second leg.
Before the second leg, both teams return to MLS action. Inter Miami will travel to face Charlotte FC on Saturday, while Nashville SC will visit the Columbus Crew. These league matches will provide both teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the crucial Champions Cup rematch.
The second leg at Inter Miami Stadium promises to be a tense affair. With the away goals rule in effect, Nashville will be content with a draw, while Inter Miami will be forced to attack and secure a victory to advance. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this tie will have significant implications for both clubs’ ambitions in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
For Inter Miami fans, the wait for Messi’s 900th goal continues. The Argentine superstar will undoubtedly be eager to reach this milestone in front of his home crowd next week. But more importantly, he’ll be focused on leading his team to victory and progressing to the next round of the Champions Cup.
Jacob Shames of the Nashville Tennessean contributed to this report.
Next Up: Inter Miami CF will face Charlotte FC on Saturday, March 14th, while Nashville SC will travel to Columbus to take on the Crew. The second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 between Inter Miami and Nashville SC is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th, at Inter Miami Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
What are your thoughts on the first leg? Share your predictions for the second leg in the comments below!
