Inter Miami's 2-2 Draw: Messi Delivers Late Assist

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Messi Magic, But No Win: Inter Miami's Thriller Ends in 2-2 Draw Against Nashville SC

MIAMI, FL – Lionel Messi's late-game assist prevented what would have been a demoralizing defeat for Inter Miami CF, but ultimately couldn't secure a victory as they battled Nashville SC to a thrilling 2-2 draw at GEODIS Park on Wednesday night. The match, a captivating display of attacking flair and defensive lapses, showcased both the brilliance of Messi and the persistent challenges facing Gerardo "Tata" Martino's struggling team.

The Argentine superstar, making his third appearance for his new club, once again proved instrumental, delivering a pinpoint pass that led to Leonardo Campana's equalizer in the 88th minute. This followed a stunning free-kick goal by Fafa Picault in the 60th minute that had briefly put Nashville ahead 2-1. The earlier stages saw a tense back-and-forth battle, with Inter Miami taking an early lead through a well-taken goal by Josef Martinez in the 20th minute. However, Nashville responded swiftly, equalizing through a [Hany Mukhtar] penalty in the 31st minute after a foul committed by [DeAndre Yedlin].

The penalty, awarded after a VAR review, shifted the momentum. Nashville, energized by the equalizer, controlled large portions of the second half, utilizing their superior physicality to dominate midfield and create numerous scoring chances. [Walker Zimmerman] and [Jacob Shaffelburg] were particularly influential for Nashville, causing problems for Inter Miami's often shaky defense. Nashville’s ability to exploit Inter Miami’s vulnerability on set-pieces was a key factor in their performance, reflecting the tactical battle waged throughout the match.

Inter Miami's defense, which has been a major concern throughout the season, again proved susceptible. While the addition of Messi has injected much-needed attacking prowess into the team, the defensive frailties remain a significant hurdle to overcome. The team’s struggles to maintain consistent defensive solidity suggest a need for further squad reinforcements and tactical adjustments under Martino's guidance.

Despite the draw, the atmosphere surrounding Inter Miami remains buoyant, largely fueled by Messi's electrifying performances. His presence has undeniably energized the fanbase and raised the team’s profile globally. The sheer volume of media attention and ticket demand underscores the transformative impact of his arrival. However, the team's continued struggles to translate attacking flair into consistent wins highlight the significant work still required to turn around their season.

The draw leaves Inter Miami in [14th place] in the Eastern Conference, still battling to climb the table. Their next challenge is a home match against [FC Cincinnati] on [August 26th], a fixture that presents another significant test of their ability to compete at the highest level in MLS. The pressure is on Martino to find solutions to the team's defensive vulnerabilities and build a more cohesive unit capable of achieving consistent results if they hope to make a serious playoff push. Messi’s magic can only carry the team so far; consistent defensive solidity and improved midfield cohesion are crucial ingredients for future success.