Nashville SC crushes Inter Miami 4-1 as Messi's penalty saved

In a highly anticipated Eastern Conference clash on Saturday night, Nashville SC defeated Inter Miami 4-1, maintaining their position atop the MLS standings. The match, held in Nashville, featured Lionel Messi, who started for the first time since the death of his father, Jorge, on August 8 at age 68. Messi had come on as a substitute in Inter Miami's previous match, a 3-2 loss to Club León on August 12, but did not start. In the 23rd minute, Messi had a prime opportunity to equalize after Nashville took an early lead, but his penalty kick was saved by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake. The rebound was converted by Sergio Reguilón, but the goal was disallowed because Reguilón had entered the penalty area before the kick was taken. Nashville had opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Andy Najar headed in a pass from Elias Saad. Inter Miami equalized in the 48th minute through Telasco Segovia, who scored with a spin move. However, Nashville responded quickly, with Hany Mukhtar scoring in the 48th minute off a pass from Saad, and Sam Surridge adding another in the 56th minute with a back-heel finish, his team-leading 12th goal of the season. In the 62nd minute, a costly error by Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios-Novo, who misread a goal kick and fell over, allowed Mukhtar to gain control and score his second goal, extending Nashville's lead to 4-1. The result was only Nashville's second win over Inter Miami since Messi joined the club. Nashville will travel to face Red Bull New York on Wednesday, while Inter Miami will visit the Philadelphia Union on the same day.