Inter Miami vs Nashville SC: How to Watch Messi in the MLS Playoffs
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami face Nashville SC in a decisive MLS Cup Playoffs match. The winner will advance, while the loser ends their season tonight.
Season Overview
Inter Miami narrowly missed winning their second consecutive Supporters' Shield, finishing just one point short. They led Major League Soccer with 81 goals, driven by Messi’s 29 goals and 19 assists, earning him both the Golden Boot and a share of the league’s assists lead.
Messi’s U.S. Journey
Despite his stellar personal performance, critics have pointed out Messi’s inability to deliver an MLS Cup title since joining the league. Last season ended with a first-round playoff exit and a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup.
“The biggest critique of Messi’s three-year stay in the U.S. has been Inter Miami’s repeated shortfalls in the MLS Cup.”
Previous Clashes with Nashville
Miami’s only major trophy with Messi came in the 2024 Leagues Cup, where they topped Nashville in a thrilling 10-9 penalty shootout final. In the current playoff series, Inter Miami won Game 1 at home 3-1, with Messi scoring twice and assisting once. Nashville then fought back to take Game 2 by a score of 2-1, setting up tonight’s decisive Game 3.
Match Details
- Competition: MLS Cup Playoffs, Game 3
- Matchup: Inter Miami vs Nashville SC
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: Live on Apple TV+
- Notable Absence: Luis Suarez is suspended after an altercation in Game 2.
The tension will be high as Messi and Inter Miami aim to avoid another early postseason exit and prove their dominance in a must-win game.
Author’s Summary
Messi leads Inter Miami into a decisive Game 3 against Nashville after a strong season but under the pressure of ending the club’s playoff struggles.