Key Takeaways
- Inter Miami CF has been eliminated from the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup after a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie.
- Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal in the seventh minute of the match, but it wasn’t enough to secure advancement for Inter Miami.
- Cristian Espinoza equalized for Nashville SC in the 74th minute, ultimately sending them through to the quarterfinals on the away goals rule after the aggregate score ended 1-1.
- The first leg of the Round of 16 series ended in a 0-0 draw in Nashville, setting the stage for the decisive second leg in Florida.
- This marks a significant achievement for Nashville SC, who advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in club history.
Summary Lead
On Wednesday night, March 19, 2026, Inter Miami CF was eliminated from the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup following a 1-1 draw with Nashville SC in the second leg of their Round of 16 matchup at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite Lionel Messi reaching a personal milestone by scoring his 900th career goal, Nashville SC’s Cristian Espinoza found the equalizer, securing a quarterfinal berth for his team due to the away goals rule after the aggregate score ended 1-1.
The Deep Dive
Messi’s Milestone Goal Not Enough for Inter Miami
The highly anticipated second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 clash between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC saw Lionel Messi achieve a remarkable career milestone, scoring his 900th goal in the seventh minute. The Argentine superstar’s trademark low left-footed finish, assisted by Reguilón, put Inter Miami ahead early in the match. However, this early lead, which extended Inter Miami’s aggregate advantage from the first leg’s 0-0 draw, proved insufficient.
Nashville’s Resilience and Espinoza’s Crucial Equalizer
Nashville SC, demonstrating a “relentless spirit,” fought back after Messi’s opener. The decisive moment for the visitors came in the 74th minute when Cristian Espinoza scored the equalizer. The goal came from a chaotic play where a shot by Alex Muyl was blocked, ricocheted, and ultimately fell to Espinoza, who finished it to level the match. This goal was pivotal as it meant Nashville SC advanced on the away goals rule, having secured a goalless draw in the first leg in Nashville.
Tactical Battle and Missed Opportunities
The first leg at GEODIS Park in Nashville had ended in a goalless draw, highlighting a tightly contested series. In the second leg, while Inter Miami held more possession, Nashville recorded more shots and created more dangerous chances in the first leg. In the second leg, Inter Miami had opportunities to extend their lead after Messi’s goal, including a header from Germán Berterame in the 56th minute and a chance in the 66th minute from Hany Mukhtar that went wide. Despite Inter Miami’s efforts to regain the lead, Nashville’s defense held firm after Espinoza’s equalizer.
Historical Implications for Nashville SC
The draw secured Nashville SC’s place in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals for the first time in club history. This achievement is particularly significant given Inter Miami’s status as reigning MLS Cup champions and their previous dominance over Nashville. Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan praised his team’s belief and “relentless spirit,” emphasizing their ambition to compete against the best in North America.
Inter Miami’s Champions Cup Campaign Ends
For Inter Miami, the elimination marks a disappointing end to their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign. The team had high hopes for the tournament, but the away goals rule proved to be their undoing. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the “unlucky play” that led to Nashville’s equalizer. This result also comes as Inter Miami prepares to move to their new stadium near Miami International Airport, with this match potentially being their last at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
FAQ: People Also Ask
What was the score of the first leg between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF?
The first leg of the Round of 16 series between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF, played in Nashville, ended in a 0-0 draw.
Did Lionel Messi score in the second leg against Nashville SC?
Yes, Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal in the seventh minute of the second leg against Nashville SC. However, his goal was not enough to secure advancement for Inter Miami.
How did Nashville SC advance to the quarterfinals?
Nashville SC advanced to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup by drawing 1-1 with Inter Miami CF in the second leg, securing the tie on the away goals rule after the aggregate score was tied at 1-1.
