In a match marking the first instance since Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS where Inter Miami couldn’t secure a goal, it triggered an atypical response from their captain.
The game unfolded as a physically intense and defensively focused showdown.
A departure from his usual form, Messi displayed an uncommon behavior in his interaction with Nashville SC defender Jack Maher.
The visiting team effectively neutralized the typically unstoppable Argentinian player, who had previously managed to contribute with either a goal or an assist in every single match he participated in for the Pink and Black squad. In fact, the team had racked up a total of 27 goals in the initial nine games he had played.
In a rematch of the Leagues Cup Final, which Inter Miami had claimed earlier this month through penalty kicks, Nashville managed to hold them to a 0-0 draw.
MLS Highlights and Goals – Inter Miami 0-0 Nashville SC
Despite the high expectations, the match turned out to be disappointing for the home crowd filled with prominent figures at the DRV PNK Stadium.
The frustration emanating from Messi and his fellow teammates served as a clear representation of the challenges that Inter Miami still confronts in the league rankings.
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As a result of the draw, their points tally reached 22 from 24 league games in this season, positioning them at the 14th spot out of 15 teams in the MLS Eastern Conference.
In the upcoming Playoffs, the top nine teams will have the opportunity to compete for the MLS Cup.
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