Inter Miami defeated Nashville Soccer Club 3-1 in the first match of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs.
This gave the Florida “Garzas” a lead in the global market and a positive outcome heading into the second leg of the series.
The three goals for the team led by head coach Javier Mascherano were scored by Argentines Lionel Messi (two) and Tadeo Allende.
The home team imposed their influence from the start. With Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez as their main offensive references, the “Garzas” dominated possession and dictated the pace of the game with high pressure and quick movement.
The first blow came 19 minutes into the first half. Suárez, with his usual vision, threaded a precise pass inside the six-yard box. Messi, well positioned and alert to the play, headed the ball past American goalkeeper Joe Willis. Despite the goalkeeper’s excellent positioning, the power and direction of the shot rendered any attempt at a deflection futile. The finish, in addition to breaking the deadlock, gave confidence and peace of mind to the home bench, where Mascherano celebrated with restraint, aware that there was still plenty to play for.
In the second half, the Florida team’s superiority deepened. Barely into the second half, Tadeo Allende extended the lead after a team combination that left the opposing defense speechless. The former Godoy Cruz player, in his first season in the MLS, finished with class to make it 2-0.
Minutes later, Messi reappeared with his unmistakable stamp. He charged down the right flank, cut inside, and delivered an unstoppable left-footed shot into the top corner, sealing his personal brace and making it 3-0 for Inter Miami.
Nashville pulled one back late in the match thanks to star player Hany Mukhtar, who took advantage of a defensive lapse to make it 3-1. Even so, the score clearly reflected the superiority of Mascherano’s team, who managed the result without any problems.
With this victory, Inter Miami is well positioned to face the second leg and seek qualification to the next round of the MLS Playoffs. Messi’s performance was once again decisive, while the contributions of Allende and Suárez consolidated an attacking trident that promises to fight until the very end.
