Lionel Messi scored a late goal but sixth-seeded Nashville defeated No. 3 seed Inter Miami 2-1 on Saturday night in Game 2 of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
The teams meet on November 8 in Fort Lauderdale for a decisive Game 3.
It was Nashville’s first playoff win since the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs, when it defeated Orlando 2-1 at home in the first round. Saturday’s win was also Nashville’s first over Miami since May 17, 2023, in a 2-1 result.
Sam Surridge opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finding the back of the net on a penalty shot, with Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo diving in the opposite direction of the shot.
Nashville struck again before halftime when Josh Bauer converted a Hany Mukhtar corner kick in the 45th minute to push the lead to 2-0.
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Inter Miami made things interesting late on when Messi scored his sixth goal in three games against Nashville in the 90th minute.
Miami had a 10-9 lead, but Nashville had five shots on goal to Miami’s three.
The winner of the three-game series will face No. 2 Cincinnati or No. 7 Columbus Crew in the conference semifinals. Cincinnati leads that series 1-0.
Published on November 2, 2025
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