Lionel Messi misses penalty as Nashville thrash Inter Miami

Lionel Messi endured a frustrating night as Inter Miami's seven-match unbeaten run came to an emphatic end with a 4-1 defeat against Nashville in a top-of-the-table MLS clash on Saturday.

Messi failed to convert a first-half penalty, was shown a yellow card and struck both posts late in the match as Nashville strengthened their position at the top of the league.

Nashville defender Andy Najar opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising to head the hosts into an early lead.

Miami were handed an opportunity to level eight minutes later when Messi stepped up from the penalty spot. However, Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake comfortably kept out the Argentine's poorly struck effort.

The miss added to an uncharacteristically difficult period for Messi from penalties, including two failures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Inter Miami eventually found an equaliser just before half-time. Messi created the opportunity for Telasco Segovia, who fired a right-footed shot into the net three minutes into stoppage time.

Nashville quickly regained control after the interval. Hany Mukhtar restored their lead in the 49th minute before England striker Sam Surridge extended the advantage.

Mukhtar then completed his double in the 63rd minute to put the result beyond doubt and give Nashville a convincing victory.

Messi was booked in the 59th minute and came agonisingly close to scoring late on, hitting both posts during second-half stoppage time.

The result saw Nashville move to 43 points from 19 matches, with 13 wins, two defeats and four draws. Inter Miami remained second on 38 points.

The defeat also ended Miami's impressive away record of eight wins, one loss and one draw and halted their seven-game unbeaten league streak.

Nashville have now beaten Miami twice this season, having previously eliminated the defending MLS champions from the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the round of 16.

The result also maintained Nashville's unbeaten home record in MLS and underlined their growing dominance at the top of the league.