Nashville SC - Inter Miami summary: score, goals and highlights | CONCACAF Champions Cup
Nashville SC - Inter Miami: As it happened
Inter Miami scored late to level against Nashville SC in a dramatic CONCACAF Champions Cup first leg clash.
Nashville dominated the first half and needed just four minutes to take the lead. The impressive Jacob Shaffelburg was given acres of space in the penalty box and fired past Drake Callender from close range.
Miami were lucky to only be one goal behind at the break but made amends soon after halftime, once again giving Shaffelburg all the time he needed to unleash a rocket into the top corner. With 50 minutes gone Miami were two goals down and reeling, but a moment of magic rekindled their spark.
Lionel Messi picked up the ball on the edge of the Nashville box and curled a deft finish past Joe Willis from range. That gave Miami fresh confidence and they took control of the second half but were kept at bay by some stoic Nashville defending.
It looked as if the hosts would take a one-goal lead into the second leg but, in the fifth minute of added time, Luis Suarez found space in the box to nod the ball home. The game finished 2-2, perfectly poised for the second leg in Miami on Wednesday 13 March.
Next up for Inter Miami is a home game against Montreal on Sunday, a return to MLS action for the Herons. Montreal struggled in 2023 but they have made a strong start to the new year, beating FC Dallas on the road last weekend.
With little time to recover from their CONCACAF Champions Cup exploits it looks like a tricky task for Miami. Here's everything you need to know...
Luis Suarez goal levels it late on!
He's not the player he once was but Luis Suarez still knows where the back of the net is. The 37-year-old nodded home an injury time leveller against Nashville, and he certainly enjoyed that celebration.
Peeep peeeep peeeeeep
That's all folks!
A thrilling game at Geodis Park ends all square.
We're into the final minute of the indicated seven added. Inter Miami have shown impressive resilience to fight back from a two-goal deficit.
Gooooaaaaal! Luis Suarez
Inter MIami keep pushing and work it to Busquets on the right. He fires in a teasing cross and Suarez nods the ball home from close range.
We're all-square!
Nashville win a goal kick and Willis clears the ball up the field. The hosts are closing in on an important first-leg victory here.
Inter Miami are still pushing for a second goal. Sunderland is straight into the action and tries to feed the ball through to Suarez.
Nashville intercept and thump the ball clear.
Another change for Inter Miami. Federico Redondo comes off for Lawson Sunderland, who receives an almighty telling-off from the fourth official for having the temerity to enter the field of play a second too early.
After an action-packed second half, there will be seven minutes of added time! Can Inter Miami find a leveller?
Messi's out-swinging cross is nicely flighted but it's well-claimed by Joe Willis in the hosts' goal.
Lionel Messi tries to play a through-ball to Suarez in the box but it's cut out and deflected behind for an Inter Miami corner kick.
David Ruiz has been playing as a right wing-back since entering the fray but has struggled to get into the game. He doesn't have the directness of Gressel or Yedlin and looks like a bit of a spare part on the flank.
It's offside! It's very unfortunate for Moore who picked up the ball on the right flank and meandered his way into the penalty box, but he was fractionally behind the Miami defender when he received the ball.
Goal ruled out, the score remains 2-1 to Nashville.
Hold on! There's a VAR check underway, possibly for an offside in the build-up to that goal.
The referee is not letting the game restart just yet!
Gooooaaaaal! Shaq Moore
The hosts restore their two-goal lead and it's Shaq Moore, drifting in from the right flank and finishing confidently past Callender.
Good finish from Moore, but more poor defending from Miami!
Triple change for the hosts! Shaffelburg, Zimmerman and Mukhtar are replaced by Jack Maher, Mckinzie Gaines and Teal Banbury.
Sergii Kryvtsov is put under pressure by Tyler Boyd and gives away a throw-in.
First change of the evening for Inter Miami is David Ruiz, coming on to replace Julian Gressel.
Lionel Messi is not back on his feet and back on the field. Miami fans, breath easily.
Big concern for Miami as Lionel Messi goes down clutching his shin.
He tried to close down Walker Zimmerman as he cleared the ball but the Nashville defender's follow-through planted right on the Argentine's leg.
That looked painful for Messi but, after a bit of treatment, he's up on his feet again.
Lionel Messi finds himself chasing the ball upfield and, once the ball has passed, turns and screams and Tata Martino. Not sure what about, but he didn't look happy about that.
Freire punts a rather hopeful ball forward towards Allen but the youngster can't reach it. Nashville look to launch a counter-attack but some dogged work from Gressel halts their progress.
First changes of the game for the hosts. Taylor Washington and Dru Yearwood come on, replacing Daniel Lovitz and Godoy.
Zimmerman looks to be in the most discomfort and is receiving treatment to his thigh. Gomez is back up and trying to walk it off.
It looked to be an impact between the two.
Walker Zimmerman and Diego Gomez clash in a tackle and both stay down.
A moment of concern for both benches.
Inter Miami have looked like the more likely of the two teams in the last 20 minutes but Nashville still possess a threat on the counter.
The impressive Shaffelburg does well on the left and whips in a cross but Friere rises well to head the ball clear.
It's all starting to get a bit heated now. Messi has a shot from the edge of the box and receives a whack from Godoy.
Suarez is straight in to protect his pal and it all escalates quickly. There's a bit of shoving and plenty of gesticulating before the referee is able to calm things down.
We've got a game on our hands now!
There's a bit of off-the-ball action as Zimmerman and Suarez butt heads (metaphorically) in the Nashville box. Referee is not impressed by either of their appeals.
Moment of concern for Nashville as Lukas MacNaughton is down holding his head.
He seemed to get a whack while defending that corner kick, but will be fine to continue.
Again, it's Messi who takes the resultant corner kick. Again, it's headed clear at the front post.
Messi whips in the cross but it's blocked at the front post and deflected out for a corner kick.
Clever run down the right flank from Diego Gomez to draw a foul from Daniel Lovitz. The Nashville fullback gives away a free kick on the right flank, perfect crossing position for Lionel Messi.
Noah Allen tries to clip the ball down the line to Diego Gomez but his pass is cut out.
Watch: Debut CONCAChampions goal for Lionel Messi
Inter Miami deserved very little from their first half performance but they have looked much improved since the break. Lionel Messi halved the deficit for the Herons with this expertly-taken goal from the edge of the box, curled past the despairing dive of Nashville keeper Joe Willis.
After a quick VAR check, the officials are content that the correct decision was reached.
Still 2-1, but another promising sign for Miami.
Inter Miami have the ball in the back of the net but the flag is up!
It was a good combination from Suarez and Gressel to work the space for a cross and Diego Gomez finished expertly from close range, but the young midfielder appears to have strayed offisde.
Good play from Busquets to win the ball back in the middle and get Miami on the attack. Messi plays the ball out to Allen on the left but the youngster tries to force his cross and it's easily cut out.
This tie is perfectly poised now.
Nashville have a one-goal advantage but they will feel like they could push for more. Miami are behind, but may be fairly content with a narrow defeat to take back to Chase Stadium for the second leg.
That Lionel Messi goal looks to have sparked a bit of fight in Inter Miami and they're tearing into Nashville now. Luis Suarez gives away a foul near the corner flag for an over-zealous challenge.
Goooooaaaaaaal! Lionel Messi
And just like that - BAM, Inter Miami are back in the game.
Suarez pokes the ball to Messi on the edge of the box and he curls the ball into the bottom corner.
Brilliant from Messi, game on!
Finally there's a bit of space for Messi on the edge of the box and he slides the ball out to the on-rushing Gressel on the right. He charges onto the ball but, at the crucial moment, slips and can't control it.
Good hold-up play from Suarez, who finds Messi with the ball. The Argentine tries to make progress through the middle but is dispossessed.
Nashville come forward again and have men over on the Miami backline. The ball is played out to Alex Muyl on the right, he cuts inside and his curling effort is just wide of the far post.
It was a brilliant finish from Shaffelburg but more questionable defending from Inter Miami. He picked up the ball on the edge of the Miami box and was afford the time to drift inside, shift the ball onto his right foot and release an absolute screamer into the top corner.
Drake Callender stood no chance.
Goooooaaaaal! Jacob Shaffelburg
The hosts doubles their lead just seconds after the start of the second half and it's an absolute rocket from Shaffelburg!
What a start for Nashville!
And we're back!
Nashville get the second half underway...
Inter Miami need second half improvement
Can the Herons turn it around? Well, of course they can. We're only 45 minutes into a two-legged tie and they boast some of the most talented players of their generation.
All that being said, their first half tactics have not worked and they have looked repeatedly vulnerable to quick counter-attacks. Tata Martino has switched to a back five in the absence of Jordi Alba but the lack of a traditional full-back has left the defence exposed. Don't be surprised if the Miami head coach tries to changed the system at the break.
Shaffelburg strikes has Nashville ahead at the break
Nashville have looked dangerous down their left throughout the first half and it was left winger Jacob Shaffelburg who opened the scoring. He was left in acres of space in the penalty box and made no mistake, firing brilliantly past Drake Callender.
And that's halftime in Nashville.
Inter Miami have looked a little lost in this changed formation but credit should go to Nashville for exploiting the gaps in the Herons' defence.
The spot is left-of-central so favours the right foot, but Messi will take it. He steps up and fires it against the wall.
Inter Miami win a free kick on the edge of the Nashville box, around 25 yards from goal.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez eye it greedily.
There will be a minimum of three minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Inter Miami break with the ball and work it to Noah Allen on the left. He tries to cross but his effort is blocked, sparking appeals for a handball in the box.
Referee says no, and it didn't like like one either.
Throw-in to Nashville high in the Miami half. Moore carries the ball into the area and aims for Shaffelburg at the back post but Gressel clears well.
Lionel Messi wanders over the the touchline and just stands there, seemingly waiting to chat to Tata Martino. He ball drifts his way and he's back on it jinking inside and playing the ball to Busquets.
Corner kick to Nashville and it's taken by Daniel Lovitz. He curls the ball in and it's headed clear by Freire.
A long ball forward from Aviles nearly finds Gressel running in behind the Nashville backline but the pass is a little overhit.
Julian Gressel is playing as a right wing-back but he has been given real freedom; sometimes drifting inside to link play, sometimes playing as Miami's furthest player forward.
He's trying to do a lot, but isn't quite managing to do any of it.
It's Nashville's turn to have a bit of the ball but Joe Willis quickly goes long and it's recovered by Joe Willis.
Inter Miami look to have lost the ball when a pass evade Luis Suarez but it rolls on to Lionel Messi, who plays a sharp one-two with the Uruguayan.
Messi charges on to the edge of the box and dummies past Zimmerman, but can't quite make space for a shot. His poked-finish is easily saved and Nashville get it clear.
That's better from Miami, though.
Nashville have managed to push Miami back so far, able to play a high line because they know that Messi and Suarez offer very little in behind. The absence of Robert Taylor is really costing the Herons.
Good work from Miami as Messi and Gomez combine to set Allen free on the left. The youngster tires to find Suarez in the middle but his cross is blocked.
Free kick to Nashville around 40 yards from the Miami goal, dead central. A chance to deliver into the box but Moore's kick is overhit and goes out for a goal kick.
Both players are find to continue and Nashville are quickly back on the attack. Tyler Boyd makes good progress on the right but he eventually runs out of road and the ball trickles out for a Miami throw-in.
Diego Gomez and Shaq Moore are both down after a clash of head on the edge of the Nashville box.
Better spell of play for Inter Miami as Messi looks to pull the strings in the Nashville half. He fires a sharp pass out to Gressel on the right but his cross is too deep for Allen to reach at the back post.
Federico Redondo is booked for a cynical challenge on Jacob Shaffelburg on the halfway line. It was a nasty clash, but it looks like the Nashville winger will be find.
The corner kick is well-defended by Inter Miami and the ball ends up in the hands of Drake Callender.
Hany Mukhtar finds a pocket of space on the edge of the Miami box and tries his luck from range, stringing the hands of Drake Callender.
Corner kick to the hosts.
Luis Suarez picks up the ball 30 yards from the Nashville goal and finally has space to turn. He looks to slide the ball through to Lionel Messi but his pass is a little too long.
That's better from Miami.
Twenty minutes in and this could hardly have started better for Nashville. They have kept Inter Miami contained while offering a real threat on the counter-attack.
Inter Miami look to build something of their own but Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are crowded out in the box and the ball bounces out for a goal kick.
There's more joy down the left for Shaffelburg, who is having a field day down that flank. He gets to the byline and clips in a back post cross towards the head of Alex Muyl.
He connect with the cross but can't get it on target.
Luis Suarez is penalised for a clumsy challenge on Sean David in the middle of the pitch.
WATCH: Shaffelburg strike puts Nashville ahead
Here's the opening goal in this CONCACAF clash, a resounding strike from Nashville winger Jacob Shaffelburg.
Big chance for Lionel Messi as Allen pulls back the ball to the Argentine, who is lurking on the edge of the box. He aims for the same top corner he found in last year's Leagues Cup final on this ground but his effort flies just wide of the post.
Allen makes good progress down the left for Inter Miami and whips in a low cross. Luis Suarez can't connect and Nashville manage to get the ball clear.
There's a moment of panic for Inter Miami as VAR considers appeals for a foul on Callender in the box. The Miami goalkeeper clattered into a Nashville player in the box, but VAR opts against intervening.
A very nervy few minutes for Miami.
More space for Sheffelburg on the left and the Nashville winger fires a low cross across the face of goal. Callender comes out to punch the ball clear but fails to clear properly.
The loose ball falls to Mukhtar whose close-range shot is blocked on the line. Nashville want a penalty, referee says no!
Good pressing from Hany Mukhtar to pinch the ball off Freire but he can't quite stop the ball rolling out of play. Inter Miami win the free kick.
Noah Allen regains possession on the left and looks to calm things down for his team. The Miami backline is playing very wide and there will be gaps.
Well, so much for that "good start for Inter Miami".
The Miami midfield particularly Redondo, was broken through far too easily and Gressel's high positioning left Sheffelburg with far too much time in the box. Nashville punish the visitors.
Gooooaaaal! Jacob Shaffelburg
The hosts are ahead! It was a smart counter-attack that exposed the Miami defence and Shaffelburg was left in acres of space on the left of the box to fire past Callender.
It's been a good start for Inter Miami, plenty of touches for Redondo on his debut.
Inter Miami look to be lining up in the 5-3-2 formation favoured by Tata Martino in preseason. Julian Gressel is playing on the right of a back five but will likely be given real license to bomb up the flank.
And we're off!
Inter Miami get this CONCACAF Champions Cup Round-of-16 game underway...
The two teams are out at Geodis Park and there's a brilliant atmosphere ahead of this CONCACAF Champions Cup clash.
It's a full house in Nashville and kick-off is fast aproaching.
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Can you stop Lionel Messi? Tonight, Walker Zimmerman and his Nashville SC side are going to try. Here's what the Nashville captain had to say about the prospect of facing an in-form Messi.
"It’s about not being afraid, about being fearless. You have to approach the game in the same way that you would otherwise.”
Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami out at Geodis Park
The Herons are out on the field ahead of their CONCACAF Champions Cup debut against Nashville SC tonight. Lionel Messi starts alongside Luis Suarez in attack, a dual strike-force in what looks to be a 5-3-2 formation from Tata Martino.
Fans have been warned against wearing 'Messi 10' jerseys in Nashville's supporters section this evening, but the Argentine certainly seemed to get a good reception when he took to the field.
Hany Mukhtar presented to fans after contract extension
On his day, there are few more versatile and talented attacking midfielders in MLS. Nashville's Hany Mukhtar provides goals and assists for Gary Smith's side and has even been crowned MLS MVP during his time at the club.
Although 2023 was not his most productive season he remains a real talent and the Nashville support will be delighted to see their No. 10 tied down with a new contract. How dearly he would love to mark the occasion with a crowning performance this evening.
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Wondering why Jordi Alba isn't playing for Inter Miami? Head coach Tata Martino hinted earlier this week that the Spaniard might miss out but said that he would take a late decision.
It looks like the 34-year-old's condition has not improved in time to play any part against Nashville.
Lionel Messi returns to site of Leagues Cup scorcher
No one, not even the most optimistic and Argentinian of Inter Miami supporters, could have predicted the impact that Lionel Messi would have on his arrival. Messi's first six weeks in Miami were the stuff of comic books, scoring ten goals in seven games to secure the first piece of silverware in the club's history.
The pick of the bunch was this sizzling strike in the Leagues Cup final against tonight's opponents, Nashville SC. Can he recreate this at Geodis Park tonight?
Inter Miami arrive at Geodis Park
Flamingo-pink hoodie? Check. Luis Suarez clutching a cup of maté? Check. Team-branded Beats headphones worn casually around the neck? Check!
It must be gameday for Inter Miami and the Herons are looking the part as they arrive at Geodis Park ahead of this CONCACAF Champions Cup clash.
Inter Miami are without 25% of their former Barcelona quartet, missing Jordi Alba due to illness. The Spanish left-back offers real energy and dynamism on the flank and his understanding with Lionel Messi has been at the centre of Miami's attacking play since their arrival.
He is replaced by youngster Noah Allen, who has potential does not offer the same offensive guile that the Spanish World Cup winner brings.
And here's how Nashville line up against Inter Miami
After all the pre-game talk about injury, Nashville SC forward and former MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar starts for Gary Smith's side. Sam Surridge, however, misses out due to injury for the hosts.
Inter Miami team news
Here it is, the starting XI picked by Tata Martino for Inter Miami's first game in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
A few quick things to note:
- Jordi Alba misses out due to illness
- Federico Redondo makes his first start for the Herons
- Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi start up front together
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Is there a trophy for winning the most trophies? No, but if there was Lionel Messi would certainly be in contention. Tonight he starts his CONCACAF Champions Cup journey, an opportunity to add a new title to his glittering collection.
We take a look at the full extent of Lionel Messi's incredible trophy haul...
Will Jordi Alba play for Inter Miami?
The former Barcelona left-back has been a real key performer for Inter Miami since his arrival last summer. Jordi Alba is, by some distance, the most energetic of the ex-Barca quartet and provide a crucial out-ball for their ball-playing central stars.
Equally important if the almost-telepathic relationship he holds with Lionel Messi. In each of Inter Miami last two games a powerful forward run from Jordi Alba has provided the space for Messi to find the back of the net.
Ahead of tonight's game Tata Martino reveal that Jordi Alba has been suffering with illness and may not be fit enough to start. We'll find out if he makes the starting XI very shortly.
Nashville SC romp through CONCACAF opener
Nashville SC have been one of the most consistent sides in the Eastern Conference over the past few years and hold realistic ambitions in the CONCACAF Champions League. They secured a comfortable 7-0 aggregate victory over Dominican side Roca FC in the first round and are out to upset one of the pre-tournament favourites tonight.
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We're still more than an hour away from kick-off at Geodis Stadium and we're yet to receive confirmed team news from Inter Miami. Ahead of the game Miami head coach Tata Martino revealed that Jordi Alba had been struggling with illness this week and was a doubt to feature from the start.
New signing Federico Redondo is in the squad for the game and could make his first start for Inter Miami.
Here's what we know so far...
Inter Miami prepare for CONCACAF Champions League debut
It's been a whirlwind 12 months in Inter Miami, who were languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference at the start of last summer. The team was reinvigorated by the arrival of Lionel Messi and picked up their first piece of silverware, Leagues Cup, in 2023.
That success qualified the team for the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Herons will be eager to prove themselves against the best sides that the continent has to offer. Their CONCACAF journey begins tonight.
For the very first time, Inter Miami compete for the continental title in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. They take on Nashville SC in this Round of 16 clash, the same team the Herons beat in last year's Leagues Cup final.
Nashville may have fallen to Miami in Leagues Cup but they fared better in their last league meeting. Gary Smith's side became the first team to keep the Messi-inspired Miami off the scoresheet and they will be looking to do the same this evening.
I'm Will Gittins, and I'll be running you through all of the action. Away we go...