Lionel Messi missed from the spot for a third straight game as Nashville SC beat Inter Miami CF 4-1 at Geodis Park in Nashville on Saturday.
Andy Najar put Nashville ahead before Messi had a chance to equalise in the 23rd minute. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved the Messi penalty miss low to his right.
Sergio Reguilón converted the rebound, but officials ruled out the goal for encroachment after a video review. The miss marked Messi’s first run of three failed penalties since 2014.
Inter Miami drew level in first-half stoppage time through Telasco Segovia. Messi supplied the assist for the equaliser.
Nashville took control after halftime. Hany Mukhtar scored twice, while Sam Surridge added a back-heeled finish as the hosts pulled away.
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Messi later hit both posts during one attack and saw a late goal ruled out for offside. He also received a yellow card after protesting during the build-up to Surridge’s goal.
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos said the defeat would not change the team’s objectives. He praised his players despite the 4-1 result and said the squad would continue its development.
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Inter Miami will next face Philadelphia Union on Wednesday as they look to end their three-match losing run.
