Lionel Messi misses penalty as Nashville thrash Inter Miami in MLS

Lionel Messi endured a frustrating evening as Inter Miami succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against Nashville SC in a top-of-the-table Major League Soccer clash. The Argentine superstar missed a penalty in the first half, with his weak effort saved by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake. This miss adds to a recent run of poor form from the penalty spot for Messi, who also missed twice during the 2026 World Cup.

Messi was also booked with a yellow card in the 59th minute. Despite these setbacks, he managed to provide an assist for Inter Miami's only goal, scored by Telasco Segovia in first-half stoppage time. However, Nashville pulled away in the second half with goals from Sam Surridge and a brace from Hany Mukhtar, the 2022 MLS Most Valuable Player.

The victory solidifies Nashville's position at the top of the MLS standings with 43 points, while Inter Miami remains in second place with 38 points. This result also snaps Inter Miami's seven-match undefeated streak in the league and marks their first road loss since early April. Nashville had previously eliminated Inter Miami from the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier in the year.