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Nashville SC Stuns Messi's Miami in Playoff Thriller
2 Nov
Summary
- Nashville SC beats Inter Miami 2-1 in playoff game
- Messi scores late goal but Miami falls short
- Nashville silences Messi, denies service to Miami's star
On November 2nd, 2025, Nashville SC pulled off a surprise 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in the second game of their first-round playoff series. The win puts Nashville in a strong position to advance, while Lionel Messi and his Miami squad now face a must-win scenario in the decisive third game.
Miami had entered the playoffs as the betting favorites to lift the MLS Cup, but for the second year in a row, they find themselves on the brink of elimination in the opening round. After cruising past Nashville in the first game, Miami struggled in the relentless rain on Saturday, spending most of the match trailing.
Nashville struck first, with Sam Surridge converting a penalty in the 9th minute. Just before halftime, defender Josh Bauer doubled the lead for the home team. Messi did manage to pull one back for Miami in the 90th minute, but it wasn't enough as Nashville held on for the victory.
The game was not without controversy, as Miami felt they were denied a clear penalty when Tadeo Allende was impeded in the box. However, the referee waved away the appeals. Nashville also had a goal-scoring chance denied, with the lack of precise video technology hindering the VAR's ability to overturn the on-field decision.
Despite the setback, Miami will have a chance to redeem themselves in the decisive third game next Saturday in Fort Lauderdale. But after this latest disappointment, Messi and his team will be under immense pressure to avoid another early playoff exit.
