Lionel Messi endured a difficult night as Inter Miami suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC in a major MLS clash.

Nashville took control early when Andy Najar opened the scoring with a header in the 17th minute. Miami were handed an opportunity to level the contest shortly after, but Messi was unable to convert from the penalty spot, with goalkeeper Brian Schwake making the save.

The Argentine forward later played a key role in Miami’s response. His assist helped Telasco Segovia equalise in first-half stoppage time, sending the teams into the break level.

Nashville, however, returned from halftime with renewed intensity. Hany Mukhtar restored the home side’s advantage in the 49th minute before Sam Surridge extended the lead.

Mukhtar then completed his brace in the 63rd minute to put the result beyond doubt.

Messi’s evening became even more frustrating when he received a yellow card in the second half. He also struck both posts during stoppage time, underlining how close Miami came to adding another goal despite their overall struggles.

The defeat ended Inter Miami’s seven-game unbeaten run in MLS and represented a major setback for a team that had been particularly impressive away from home.

Before the match, Miami had won eight of their previous 10 league games on the road.

Nashville’s victory strengthened their position at the top of the MLS standings. The club moved to 43 points from 19 matches, while Inter Miami remained second with 38 points.

The result also continued Nashville’s impressive record against Miami this season. They had previously eliminated Messi and his teammates from the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the round of 16.

For Nashville, the victory reinforced their credentials as one of the league’s strongest teams. Their unbeaten home record remained intact, while Mukhtar and Surridge provided the attacking quality needed to punish Miami’s defensive weaknesses.

For Messi and Inter Miami, the heavy loss highlighted the challenges that come with competing at the top of the MLS table.

Despite Messi contributing an assist, his missed penalty and the team’s inability to respond to Nashville’s second-half pressure left Miami facing a disappointing result.