TThe MLS playoffs are always a difficult proposition, even for the league’s strongest teams. Equilibrium has always been prevalent in MLS, especially in recent seasons, and upsets are common. Inter Miami knows this all too well, as they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Atlanta United last season despite being the top team in the entire league.
Things were a little different in 2025, with Miami in third place in the Eastern Conference and expected to have a tough series against strong rival Nashville SC. However, the first leg went smoothly, with Lionel Messi scoring two goals to lead his team to a 3-1 victory. In the second leg, Messi scored another spectacular goal, but it was too little too late for a stingy Nashville opponent.
Everything will be decided in Game 3 I Nashville 2-1 Inter Miami I Highlights and Goals I MLS
Nashville SC got goals from Sam Surridge and Josh Bauer in Game 2 of the best-of-three series
Nashville was the better team for almost the entire game. The impressive pressing left Miami’s offense exhausted and looking for an answer. Sam Surridge and Josh Bauer scored twice for Nashville in the first half, but they couldn’t score. It was much the same early in the second half, with Nashville missing several chances and Rocco Rios Novo making some crucial saves.
With Nashville trailing by two points, Miami began to pick up the pace with the ball. That led to Messi’s goal, a firecracker shot from just inside the top of the box. Messi’s defenders gave him shocking space and the Argentine made Nashville pay the price.
The home fans looked a little nervous, but Nashville continued to play strong defense for the final seven minutes. With the win, Nashville will advance to the do-or-die finals in South Florida on Saturday, November 8th.
