“It’s… you know, 900 goals is… Congratulations to him. He’s the best,” Callaghan said of Messi in response to Bolavip during his postgame press conference.

“When you play great teams and you play great players, the good thing is it brings out the best in yourself and the best in your team. And I thought that’s what we did tonight. You were able to see some of the best qualities that we were able to have,” Callaghan added.

“What we’re focused on is earning our way into the next round. We knew it was going to take tonight, and just, we’re a really proud group that was able to do that.”

Nashville upset Inter Miami after Messi’s 900th career goal

Nashville upset Inter Miami in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 on away goals, having snatched a 1-1 draw in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday. A week earlier, the first leg between Miami and Nashville at Geodis Park finished goalless.

It took an effort from Callaghan’s men, who started the return leg trailing 1-0 early in the game. Only seven minutes into the affair, Messi found the net to reach 900 goals in his career.

However, the Herons failed to increase their lead throughout the game, keeping Nashville well alive in the series. Eventually, it proved costly for Javier Mascherano’s team, as Cristian Espinoza made things level against Inter Miami with only 16 minutes remaining.

The equalizer was enough for Nashville to go through, breaking Inter Miami’s hearts in a night that looked promising but extended Messi’s continental club title drought.

He was surrounded by yellow jerseys. Not many players could ever get a shot off from that position, but Messi is unlike any other soccer player to walk this earth. As Messi unleashed a powerful, low-driven shot, everybody at Inter Miami CF Stadium knew there was no stopping that ball.

Now, Messi has finally reached the 900-goal mark. It looks like an almost impossible climb to the 1,000-club, but if Messi has accustomed fans to one thing: it’s to never say never.

The race for 1,000 goals is on

Messi can celebrate his accomplishment, but the next objective is clear. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both engaged in an electric race for the 1,000 goal mark in soccer history. Both have now cleared the 900-mark.

Although Messi joined this select club on March 18, 2026, and Cristiano Ronaldo did so on September 5, 2024, it actually took Ronaldo longer to reach 900 goals based on matches played. Messi accomplished the feat in 1,142 official outings, whereas Ronaldo did so in his 1,238th career game.

Messi and Ronaldo’s goal-per-game average

Although Messi can still add to his personal tally during Inter Miami’s home game against Nashville SC in the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup, his goals-per-game average is still remarkable. As it stands, Messi averages 0.78 goals per game.

Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, has scored 961 goals in 1,309 games, per Transfermarkt. That makes for an average of 0.73 goals per game.

Inter Miami controlled large stretches of the match and created multiple chances to extend the lead, but inefficiency in front of goal proved costly. Nashville SC stayed resilient and capitalized on a chaotic play inside the box, with Cristian Espinoza scoring the equalizer that changed the course of the series.

With the match level and time running out, Inter Miami pushed forward with urgency but could not find the decisive goal. Nashville SC held firm in the closing minutes and secured progression, leaving Inter Miami out of the competition despite a historic night for Messi, who drew the ultimate praise from Nashville SC head coach B.J. Callaghan.

[Watch Inter Miami vs Nashville SC live in the USA on Fubo]

After the first leg finished in a tense 0–0 draw, everything remains up for grabs in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Inter Miami will host the decisive second leg and hope home support makes the difference.

However, Nashville SC has already proven it can compete with the tournament favorites. With Lionel Messi and company chasing a quarterfinal spot, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown fans won’t want to miss.

When will the Inter Miami vs Nashville SC match be played?

This second leg game in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 between Inter Miami and Nashville SC will be played this Wednesday, March 18 at 7:00 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs Nashville SC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Nashville SC in the USA

This 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup game between Inter Miami and Nashville SC will be broadcast in the United States on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, FS1, UniMás, TUDN and ViX.

The match carries significant stakes for both teams. Javier Mascherano‘s team will rely on Lionel Messi and their attacking lineup to break the deadlock at home, while B.J. Callaghan‘s side looks to secure a historic away victory.

This fixture also highlights the growing competitiveness of MLS and Liga MX clubs in international play. The outcome tonight will influence not only the Champions Cup bracket but also momentum for the remainder of the season.

What happens if Inter Miami beat Nashville today?

If Inter Miami CF beat Nashville SC in tonight’s second leg, they will advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and will face the winner of the Club America vs Philadelphia Union tie next.

In the 2026 Champions Cup, the eight winners of the Round of 16 progress to the quarterfinals, and Miami’s path in the bracket puts them on course to meet the team that emerges from the Mexico vs. MLS showdown.

A victory tonight in Fort Lauderdale would give them a crucial aggregate advantage and book their place in April’s quarterfinal dates, where teams will battle over two legs for a spot in the semifinals and then to reach the final in May.

What happens if Inter Miami and Nashville tie?

If Inter Miami and Nashville finish in a draw, the outcome would depend on the scoreline. A 0–0 draw would send the match to extra time, as the aggregate score would remain level and neither team would have scored an away goal. If the draw persists after overtime, a penalty shootout would determine the winner.

However, a 1–1 draw would see Nashville advance, thanks to the away goals rule, as they would have scored on the road while Inter Miami failed to do so in the first leg. The same would happen if they tie 2-2, 3-3, and so on.

What happens if Inter Miami lose to Nashville today?

If Inter Miami lose tonight, Nashville will advance to the next round regardless of the scoreline. A win is enough to secure qualification, making the scenario straightforward for the home side.

Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the availability of both stars during a press conference ahead of the Round of 16 second leg. “Leo and Rodrigo are in perfect condition, as is everyone except Maxi [Falcon],” Mascherano stated, noting that the defender is the squad’s only injury concern.

Following a scoreless draw in the first leg, Inter Miami face a high-stakes scenario at Chase Stadium. Due to the away goals rule, Nashville hold a tiebreaker advantage; any scored draw (such as 1–1 or 2–2) would result in Messi and Inter Miami being eliminated from the competition.

Mascherano explains Messi and De Paul’s absences

The absence of the Argentine duo was palpable, as the squad lacked the offensive spark typically provided by Messi and the high-intensity presence De Paul brings to the midfield.

According to Mascherano, the decision to rest both players was a preventative measure due to their heavy workload. Both stars have endured a grueling schedule, featuring in nine matches over just a six-week span.

“Clearly, Rodrigo and Leo did not travel; it was a decision we made together with them,” Mascherano explained during a press conference. “We were coming off a lot of travel and games on synthetic turf. We preferred for them to avoid the trip and rest. It was nine games in a month and a half”.

The return of these two players provide a significant boost to Inter Miami’s production. Messi is the team’s leading scorer this season, with three goals in three MLS appearances this season. Meanwhile, De Paul is a dual-threat in the midfield who, has recorded one goal in three league matches while providing vital defensive cover.

In the second half, both sides increased the intensity and searched for the opening goal. Lionel Messi had Inter Miami’s clearest chance after a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, but Schwake made the save and the rebound from German Berterame went wide. Nashville also threatened through quick counters and set pieces, yet neither side managed to find the decisive moment.

With the score level, the series remains open heading into the next fixtures. Inter Miami will face Charlotte FC on Saturday, March 14, before the return leg against Nashville SC on Wednesday, March 18. Messi will now look ahead to the next match in the MLS, as he continues chasing the milestone 900th goal of his career.

[Watch Nashville SC vs Inter Miami live in the USA on Fubo]

There’s a strong MLS flavor to this matchup as two of the league’s in-form sides square off in what promises to be a high-intensity battle. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, enters as one of the top contenders and is searching for another key win.

However, Nashville SC has also impressed early in the season. With seven points from a possible nine and fresh off eliminating Atletico Ottawa, Nashville arrive with momentum and the confidence to challenge Miami in what could be one of the most compelling clashes on the MLS calendar.

When will the Nashville SC vs Inter Miami match be played?

This first leg game in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 between Nashville SC and Inter Miami willbe played this Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30 PM (ET).

Nashville SC vs Inter Miami: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Nashville SC vs Inter Miami in the USA

This 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup game between Nashville SC and Inter Miami will be broadcast in the United States on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, FS2, TUDN and ViX.

The result of the first match could shape how the tie unfolds heading into the return leg. Although the first game does not decide the series on its own, every result can influence the strategy for the second meeting.

The Champions Cup knockout rounds are played over two legs, meaning the aggregate score across both matches determines which team advances to the quarterfinals. That makes the opening encounter especially important.

What happens if Inter Miami beat Nashville SC today?

If Inter Miami beat Nashville SC in the first leg, they would take a lead on aggregate into the second leg of the Champions Cup. The series would still remain open, but the Florida club would control the advantage heading into the return match.

Knockout rounds are decided over two legs, with the total number of goals across both games determining which team advances. That means a victory in the opening match would allow Inter Miami to approach the second leg knowing that a draw could still be enough to reach the quarterfinals.

A multi-goal victory would give the club more margin for error in the second leg, while a one-goal win would leave the tie much tighter. Still, taking an early lead in the aggregate score is often a key step toward advancing in a two-game series.

What happens if Inter Miami and Nashville SC tie?

If Inter Miami and Nashville SC tie in the first leg, the series would remain level on aggregate heading into the second match. Neither team would hold an advantage, leaving the return leg to determine who advances.

A draw means the teams would begin the second leg with the same total number of goals. The winner of that match would move on, while another tie across both legs would trigger the tournament’s tiebreaking procedures.

If both teams finish the two matches tied on aggregate, the next factor used to determine the winner is the number of away goals scored in the series. If that is also equal, the tie can be decided by penalties.

What happens if Inter Miami lose to Nashville SC today?

If Inter Miami lose in the first leg, they would head into the second match trailing on aggregate. The team would have to win the return leg by enough goals to erase Nashville’s advantage and stay alive in the tournament.

A narrow defeat would keep the series very manageable, since Inter Miami could equalize the aggregate score with a one-goal win in the second leg. However, a larger loss would force them to chase multiple goals in the return game.

Even in a losing effort, scoring could still prove important. Goals scored away from home can become a tiebreaker if the aggregate score ends level after both matches, potentially influencing which team advances to the next round.

Following their victory, Inter Miami will now play in the Conference Semifinals for the first time in the club’s history. There, Messi and his teammates will face FC Cincinnati, who secured their spot by defeating the Columbus Crew 2-1 in the decisive game of their series.

While the official date has yet to be confirmed, the MLS official website indicates that the Conference Semifinals are scheduled to be played between Saturday, November 22nd, and Sunday, November 23rd.

The format for this round changes dramatically from the best-of-three series played in Round One. The Semifinals will be a single, direct elimination match, hosted by the team with the better regular-season record, which in this case is FC Cincinnati.

Unlike the format used in the first round, if Inter Miami and Cincinnati tie after 90 minutes, the match will feature two extra-time periods of 15 minutes each. If the score remains level after those 30 minutes, the winner will then be decided via a penalty shootout.

Messi was the series hero for Inter Miami

The Argentine captain was the undisputed hero of the series for Inter Miami, scoring a total of five goals across the three games against Nashville. Messi scored a brace in the 3-1 Game 1 victory, tallied one goal in the 2-1 Game 2 defeat, and scored a brace again in the decisive 4-0 Game 3 win.

Messi has now converted 34 goals so far this season, with 29 coming in the regular season—a tally that earned him the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, making him the first player in Inter Miami history to win the award.

Furthermore, he stretched his career mark to 894 goals, leaving him just seven goals shy of reaching 900 and becoming only the second player in history to do so, behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

[Watch Nashville SC vs Inter Miami live in the USA on Fubo]

A tightly contested series reaches its breaking point as Inter Miami and Nashville SC square off in a decisive third match to determine who moves on to the next round. With both sides earning a win apiece, the pressure is at its peak, and every play will count.

Inter Miami carries a slight edge on home turf, but Lionel Messi and company know that complacency could be costly. Nashville has already shown they can challenge Miami’s star-studded lineup, and they’ll enter this clash determined to spoil the party and punch their ticket to the Conference semifinals.

When will the Inter Miami vs Nashville SC match be played?

Inter Miami take on Nashville SC this Saturday, November 8, in the third leg 2025 MLS first round playoffs, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs Nashville SC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:00 PM
CT: 7:00 PM
MT: 6:00 PM
PT: 5:00 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Nashville SC in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 MLS regular season showdown between Inter Miami and Nashville SC live in the USA.