Photo via Inter Miami CF on X
Inter Miami vs Nashville once again delivered a tense battle in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, but this time neither side could find the breakthrough. Inter Miami settled for a frustrating 0–0 draw against Nashville SC in the first leg, controlling possession for long stretches but struggling to create clear chances.
The Herons dominated the ball, yet Nashville’s compact defensive shape kept Lionel Messi and Miami’s attack largely quiet. With the tie still wide open, everything will now be decided in the second leg at Chase Stadium, where Inter Miami will look to turn control into goals and keep their Champions Cup ambitions alive.
Early Injury Scare for Miami
Javier Mascherano made one change from the team that beat DC United. Tadeo Allende returned to the starting lineup, replacing Mateo Silvetti. Sergio Reguilón also returned to the squad after missing the start of the season with injury.
Miami faced an early scare in the fifth minute. Maximiliano Falcón went down after a foul inside the box. Medical staff rushed onto the field as stretchers appeared.
Falcón eventually walked off the pitch. Mascherano replaced him with Gonzalo Luján as a precaution. The club has not released further details about the injury.
St. Clair Keeps Miami in the Game
Despite Miami dominating possession, the first half belonged to Nashville in terms of clear chances.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair stepped up with two strong saves in the 38th and 42nd minutes. His interventions kept the score level before halftime as Miami struggled defensively.
Miami had 64% possession in the first half but failed to register a single shot on target.
Nashville, meanwhile, recorded seven shots with three on target, all of which were stopped by St. Clair.
Miami signed the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for moments like this. He delivered when his team needed him most.
Messi Closely Marked as Miami Struggle to Create
Inter Miami controlled possession again in the second half but still struggled to break down Nashville’s compact defensive shape. The hosts stayed disciplined and quickly surrounded Lionel Messi whenever he received the ball, limiting Miami’s ability to create clear opportunities.
That defensive approach was notable given Messi’s remarkable record against Nashville. No MLS opponent has suited him more. In 10 appearances against Nashville, Messi has produced 15 goals and 4 assists, numbers that underline how dangerous he has been in this matchup over the years.
Miami eventually registered their first shot on target when Messi forced a save from Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake. The rebound fell to Germán Berterame, but the striker could not convert from close range.
Berterame, who arrived this season as Miami’s third Designated Player striker, continues to search for his first goal with the club.
Mascherano had defended the striker before the match, emphasizing his overall contribution to the team:
“We are trying to create chances for Germán, but it has been difficult in these first matches. Strikers are not evaluated only on goals. Germán gives us a lot both with and without the ball and is still adapting to a different style of play.”
Later in the half, Berterame received a yellow card, summing up a difficult night for the Mexican forward.
Defensive Work and Late Substitutions
Mascherano made further changes in the second half, introducing Ian Fray and Mateo Silvetti for Facundo Mura and Telasco Segovia.
Once again it was St. Clair who stepped up, producing his fourth save of the night to deny Nashville as the hosts continued to threaten on the counterattack.
Although Miami finished the match with 59% possession, they created very little in dangerous areas. Messi himself was forced to drop deeper late in the game and was even seen making defensive interventions, including a sliding tackle in the 92nd minute.
Interestingly, Luis Suárez remained unused on the bench, marking the second consecutive match in which the veteran striker did not feature.
His absence was noticeable given his success against Nashville in the 2024 Champions Cup, when he registered four goal contributions across both legs of the tie.
Luján Reflects on Tough Conditions
After the match, Gonzalo Luján spoke about the difficult playing conditions and Nashville’s defensive setup.
“It was a complicated match. There was a lot of rain and it made it difficult to play, especially through the middle. We tried to move the ball wide but struggled to finish the plays.
Fortunately, we managed to get a result that leaves the tie open for the second leg at home.”
What’s Next for Inter Miami
Inter Miami will now host Nashville SC in the second leg next week at Chase Stadium, where the tie will be decided. With the away-goals rule in place, Miami will need to win the match while also being careful not to concede.
Before that crucial encounter, the Herons will travel to face Charlotte FC this Saturday in another MLS fixture.
Mascherano’s side will be hoping to rediscover their attacking rhythm before returning home for what could be one of their most important matches of the season.
