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Lionel Messi’s return to the Inter Miami starting lineup turned into a nightmare as the Argentine icon missed his third consecutive penalty in a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC. The Herons were systematically dismantled at Geodis Park, failing to reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference on a night where nothing went right for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Messi penalty woes continue
The magic appears to have faded momentarily for Messi, who endured a evening to forget in Tennessee. With Inter Miami trailing 1-0 in the 23rd minute, the veteran had a golden opportunity to level the scores from the penalty spot. However, his low effort was expertly parried by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake.
Statistics highlight the depth of the Argentine's current struggles from 12 yards out. This latest failure marks the first time since 2014 that Messi has missed three consecutive penalties, according to ESPN. The unwanted streak began during the this summer World Cup campaign, after failing to convert against Austria and Egypt.
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Nashville run riot in Geodis Park
Despite Telasco Segovia equalizing just before the interval, Nashville SC took complete control of the contest in the second half. Hany Mukhtar reminded the league of his quality with a clinical brace, while Sam Surridge added a third with a delicate back-heeled finish. Miami’s defense crumbled under the pressure, and the frustration was evident as Messi received a yellow card for his protests during the build-up to Nashville's third goal.
The final blow came in stoppage time following a comical error from Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. The shot-stopper slipped while well out of his area, allowing a route-one ball from Schwake to reach Mukhtar, who walked the ball into an empty net.
Personal tragedy looming over Messi
This match represented Messi's first start since the tragic passing of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi. The 39-year-old has been dealing with immense emotional weight, recently admitting that he is unsure how to continue in the sport without his father’s guidance.
Messi’s struggles were compounded by sheer bad luck in the final moments of the game. In one frantic second-half attack, the forward saw his shot strike both posts without crossing the line, before another effort was ruled out for offside.
- Muhammad Zaki
