Nashville Defeats Inter Miami 4-1 as Lionel Messi Misses Penalty and Seven-Match Streak Ends

Forward Lionel Messi missed a crucial penalty and received a yellow card as Inter Miami suffered a resounding 4-1 defeat away to Nashville in a top-of-the-table Major League Soccer clash on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Despite assisting Inter Miami's only goal scored by Telasco Segovia, Lionel Messi was denied from the penalty spot by goalkeeper Brian Schwake in the first half and later booked in the 59th minute. The Argentine star also struck both goalposts during second-half stoppage time.

Nashville capitalized on their home advantage, with Andy Najar opening the scoring with a 17th-minute header. Although Telasco Segovia equalized just before halftime off an assist from Lionel Messi, Nashville pulled away in the second half. Hany Mukhtar scored twice, and Sam Surridge added another to secure the victory.

With this result, Nashville extended their home unbeaten run and strengthened their lead at the top of the Major League Soccer standings with 43 points, leaving defending champions Inter Miami in second place with 38 points and snapping their seven-match undefeated streak.