Inter Miami CF made an exciting Concacaf Champions Cup debut, drawing 2-2 on the road against Nashville SC to secure a vital point. In a closely contested match at GEODIS Park, Inter Miami’s goals came from captain Lionel Messi and striker Luis Suárez.
With this outcome, Inter Miami will be well-positioned for the second leg of the series, which takes place at Chase Stadium on March 13. If the total score after both games is tied, away goals will be used as the tiebreaker.
Highlights of the lineup:
Drake Callender started in goal for Inter Miami, with Julian Gressel, Tomás Avilés, Sergii Kryvtsov, Nicolás Freire, and Noah Allen forming the back line.
Messi and Suárez spearheaded the offensive line, while Federico Redondo, Diego Gómez, and Sergio Busquets anchored the midfield.
Federico Redondo, a midfielder, made a noteworthy Inter Miami debut.
Highlights of the match:
In the fourth minute, winger Jacob Shaffelburg gave Nashville SC the lead.
Messi’s shot in the 37th minute was Inter Miami’s best opportunity as the game remained fiercely contested.
Despite falling behind 2-0 early in the second half, Inter Miami made a comeback when Messi and Suárez scored in the 52nd minute.
In stoppage time, Suárez dramatically equalised the score by heading Busquets’ cross.
Post-Match Reaction: Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino highlighted the team’s poise and patience while applauding their performance. Before the second leg at home, he voiced confidence.
Next Match: On Sunday, March 10 at 4 p.m. ET, Inter Miami will play CF Montréal at Chase Stadium in their return to Major League Soccer.
Stats for the match:
Ownership: 30% NSH, 70% MIA
NSH – 6; MIA – 13 shots
NSH – 4, MIA – 1 in saves; NSH – 2, MIA – 6 in corners.
NSH – 3, MIA – 9 in fouls
CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP MATCH RECAP: Mauricio Venegas