Lionel Messi scored twice and Luis Suárez turned provider as Inter Miami cruised to a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC in Game 1 of their MLS playoff clash. The Herons were clinical, taking full advantage of Nashville’s defensive lapses as Javier Mascherano’s side took a confident step toward their MLS Cup dream.
Messi magic powers Inter Miami past Nashville as MLS Cup charge begins
Lionel Messi marked the start of Inter Miami’s MLS Cup playoff campaign in trademark fashion, scoring twice as the Herons eased to a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. It was a night that once again underlined Miami’s blend of world-class experience and tactical maturity under Javier Mascherano, even if they weren’t at their dazzling best.
The opening exchanges were far from smooth. Miami were fortunate not to fall behind early on when Jacob Shaffelburg slipped at the crucial moment after finding himself clean through on goal. That reprieve jolted the hosts into life — and when Messi began to drift into dangerous spaces, the tone of the match changed completely.
It was Luis Suárez, his long-time ally, who sparked the breakthrough. Picking up the ball wide on the right, the Uruguayan delivered an inch-perfect cross to the centre of the box, where Messi had ghosted away from his markers. The Argentine made no mistake, glancing a calm header into the net to open the scoring.
From that moment, Miami took control. Their passing became sharper, their transitions quicker, and their press far more coordinated. The midfield pairing of Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Busquets began to dictate tempo, while Ian Fray — one of the club’s brightest young defenders — impressed with his composure and distribution from deep.
Miami’s second goal arrived shortly after half-time and again highlighted their aerial threat. Fray whipped in a teasing delivery from the right, met by Tadeo Allende, who rose unchallenged to nod home. It was a confident finish from a player who has quietly become one of Mascherano’s most effective attacking options.
The third goal was pure chaos — and pure opportunism. A defensive lapse in the Nashville back line gifted Messi the ball inside the box with an open net. He didn’t need an invitation, rolling it home with the kind of nonchalance that only he could muster. Nashville’s defenders were left rooted in disbelief as the Herons’ captain celebrated another decisive contribution.
Hany Mukhtar did pull one back for Nashville with a stunning late free-kick that left Rocco Ríos Novo with no chance, but by then, the game was already beyond reach. Miami saw out the closing minutes with calm possession and the confidence of a side that believes it can go all the way.
For Mascherano, this performance offered everything he could have asked for: control, precision, and the unmistakable brilliance of Messi at the heart of it all. Suárez’s creativity, De Paul’s aggression, and Allende’s energy added layers to Miami’s dominance. There were occasional lapses — particularly in defence — but nothing that truly threatened to derail the rhythm of a team that now looks primed for a serious title run.
This was not a performance built on spectacle, but on efficiency — a sign of a team maturing into champions. As Messi left the field to a roar of appreciation, the feeling around Chase Stadium was unmistakable: Inter Miami are ready for the business end of the season, and as long as their No. 10 is on the pitch, their MLS Cup dream remains alive and well.
