In stoppage time, Luis Suarez netted a crucial goal, followed shortly after by Lionel Messi's strike, aiding Inter Miami to salvage a 2-2 draw against Nashville on Thursday night in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The upcoming Wednesday night encounter in Miami for the second leg of the round of 16 holds significance, with Miami having the upper hand due to the away goals rule, courtesy of Suarez's equalizer off a cross from former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets.
Messi broke the deadlock with his first Concacaf goal in the 52nd minute, responding to Nashville's early lead established by Jacob Shaffelburg, who found the net twice, once in the fourth minute and again in the 47th minute after the break.
Although Shaq Moore seemed to extend Nashville's lead to 3-1 with a goal in the 83rd minute, it was disallowed for offside.
The anticipation surrounding the match, akin to Messi's previous visit to Nashville, was palpable, with fans donning pink Messi jerseys and chanting the superstar's name throughout the game.
Despite missing some earlier opportunities, Messi eventually found the back of the net, courtesy of a setup from Suarez, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
Towards the end of regulation time, Messi endured a scare as he received treatment for a knock on his left calf inflicted by Nashville defender Lukas Macnaughton. However, he continued to play.
Ahead of the match, Nashville announced a contract extension with German midfielder Hany Mukhtar, extending his tenure with the club through 2026, with an option for 2027. Mukhtar, the 2022 MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner, holds the record for most goals, assists, and points in the club's history.
Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender made a crucial save on a Mukhtar shot in the 23rd minute, denying Nashville an early lead.
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