Lionel Messi returned to CONCACAF Champions Cup action under the spotlight in Nashville. YankeeSports reports
Lionel Messi’s return to CONCACAF Champions Cup action drew plenty of attention, but the Argentine was kept off the scoresheet as Inter Miami and Nashville SC battled to a tense stalemate on Wednesday night. The round-of-16 clash leaves everything to play for in next week’s second leg.
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Messi contained by Nashville
Messi entered the game having scored in six straight matches against Nashville, with 12 goals and five assists in that span. Yet this time he managed just one shot, saved in the 55th minute by goalkeeper Bruan Schwake. He completed 79% of his passes but could not find the breakthrough.
Miami dominate possession
Inter Miami controlled 59% of the ball, but Nashville created more chances with 15 shots compared to Miami’s eight. Cristian Espinoza nearly broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, delivering a corner that found Reed Baker-Whiting, whose header sailed just over the bar.
Injury setback for Miami
Defender Maximiliano Falcón was forced off in the seventh minute after picking up an injury. Gonzalo Luján replaced him, but the early change disrupted Miami’s rhythm at the back.
What’s next
The two sides meet again on March 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The aggregate winner will advance to face either Club América or the Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals. América hold a 1-0 advantage after their first leg in Mexico. If the second leg ends scoreless, extra time and penalties will decide the outcome.
