Messi’s MLS return marked by Miami’s 1-4 loss and a yellow card

Lionel Messi finally made his return to football after returning to America from Argentina. However, the comeback was overshadowed by the brutal loss and a yellow card. Nashville SC strengthened their grip on the top of the Major League Soccer table with a dominant 4-1 victory over Inter Miami CF at Geodis Park. 

Messi’s MLS return marked by Miami’s 1-4 loss and a yellow card 

Messi’s highly anticipated first MLS start since the World Cup was overshadowed by a missed penalty and a yellow card as the visitors slumped to a heavy defeat. Andy Najar opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute. 

Inter Miami were awarded a penalty shortly afterwards, but Messi’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Brian Schwake. The rebound was put in by Sergio Reguilon only for VAR to rule it out for encroachment. Messi redeemed himself somewhat in first-half stoppage time, delivering a precise pass for Telasco Segovia to equalise. 

However, Nashville seized control after the break. Hany Mukhtar restored the lead early in the second half, Sam Surridge added a third with a clever finish, and Mukhtar completed the scoring to make it 4-1. Messi was booked later in the contest for protesting after believing he had been fouled in the build-up to one of Nashville’s goals. 

The Argentine also struck the woodwork late on but could not inspire a comeback. The result left Nashville five points clear at the summit of the MLS standings, while Inter Miami remained in second place. It marked a difficult evening for Messi on his return to league action following international duty and personal circumstances.

ALSO READ: Why did Jamal Musiala faint during Bayern Munich's friendly vs RB Leipzig?