With this result, the Eastern Conference of the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings keep throwing the same two teams on top of the table. Hence, this is how the table is looking right now, with Nashville on top:

The MLS is entering its last stretch of the regular season

Only eight matchdays remain in the MLS regular season ahead of the playoffs. Hence, the intensity will ramp up in the upcoming weeks. Every week, the margins for error will get thinner and thinner.

Lionel Messi scored his 99th goal for Inter Miami, so he should clearly overcome that mark. However, that doesn’t mean by any stretch that Inter Miami will erase the nine-point deficit against Nashville.

What’s next for Inter Miami

Waiting for Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez to get his paperwork to take over as head coach, Inter Miami have nine MLS games ahead of them before the postseason. Here’s their upcoming schedule:

• Cruz Azul (Campeones Cup) – Sep. 16
• San Diego – Sep. 20
• at Columbus – Sep. 27
• DC United – Oct. 10
• NYCFC – Oct. 14
• at Atlanta – Oct. 17
• at NYRB – Oct. 24
• Cincinnati – Oct. 28
• at New England – Nov. 1
• Charlotte – Nov. 7

It was a key goal as well, as Nashville started the game leading it and Inter Miami had to come back. First, an own goal tied the game, but now thanks to Messi’s strike, the took the momentary lead over the Eastern Conference’s first seed.

Nashville had a nine-point lead, but the game ended up in a tie. Hence, Inter Miami’s place in the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings kept them with the same deficit. Also, given the poor form Inter Miami has been in recently, this result could still definitely boost the moral and change the fortunes of the team. Nashville leads the conference after all.

Messi is still unquestionably different

The MLS is getting more and more stars. Messi is 39 years old, yet he is still unbelievable and clearly the biggest difference-maker in the whole league. The fact is that without him, Inter Miami’s expectations would be much lower despite having other stars on the roster.

In fact, Messi hit the post minutes after scoring. That would’ve been his 100th goal for the club. Inter Miami relies too much on what Messi can do, but he still delivers in every which way.

The tie was a heart-wrenching result

While the result itself is not bad because this was against a higher-seeded team, the fact is this was a win until the very last minute of the game, where a goal from Sam Surridge tied the game.

Surridge was Inter Miami’s nightmare as he scored a brace against them in this match. Inter Miami were too close to get a statement win thanks to Messi’s efforts.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Nashville SC in the USA

Inter Miami vs Nashville SC will be available to stream live on Apple TV in the United States. MLS has moved its full match package to Apple TV for the 2026 season, with every regular-season game available without blackouts.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Nashville SC for free?

Eligible viewers can watch Inter Miami vs Nashville SC with Apple TV‘s current seven-day free trial. The official page advertises the entire 2026 season with a 7-day free trial, after which the U.S. subscription is listed at $14.99 per month.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Inter Miami and Nashville SC meet with major Eastern Conference implications, and the matchup comes less than a month after Nashville handed Miami one of its biggest defeats of the season. Nashville won 4-1 on August 15, with Hany Mukhtar scoring twice, in a result that underlined the gap between the two sides at that stage of the campaign.

The rematch at Nu Stadium gives Lionel Messi and Inter Miami an immediate opportunity to respond on home soil. Nashville have also established themselves as one of the league’s hottest teams heading into the September stretch.

The club’s recent run has put it at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, while Inter Miami remain among the Eastern Conference contenders. Nashville’s momentum has been highlighted by a four-game winning streak entering the weekend, with the club holding a significant advantage in the overall MLS race.

For Inter Miami, the fixture is particularly important because the team is navigating a congested portion of the schedule. Miami played Chicago Fire on September 9, just three days before returning home to face Nashville. The Herons will then host Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup on September 16, meaning the Nashville game sits between two demanding fixtures.

Inter Miami vs Nashville SC: Predicted Lineups

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Alexis Caicedo, Maximiliano Falcon, Casemiro, Ian Fray; Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul; German Berterame, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.

Nashville SC (4-3-3): Ben Schwake; Daniel Lovitz, Maxwell Woledzi, Jack Maher, Reed Baker-Whiting; Elias Saad, Edvard Tagseth, Matthew Corcoran; Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, Cristian Espinoza.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Nashville SC match?

Inter Miami vs Nashville SC kicks off on Saturday, September 12, at 7:30 PM ET. The match will be played at Nu Stadium in Miami, with the official Inter Miami schedule confirming the 7:30 PM ET start.

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

Lionel Messi is expected to play once the whistle kicks the game off at Nu Stadium. Cristian ‘Killy‘ Gonzalez is still awaiting for his work permit to take over from Hoyos, but his idea must be starting to flow into the squad.

As per Nashville, they occupy the first place in the Eastern Conference with 53 points. Given that Inter Miami are third, they must avoid giving a direct competitor the chance to make a stand.

Confirmed lineup for Inter Miami

Hoyos will not count with names like Mateo Silvetti, Santiago Morales, and Tadeo Allende. The three players are injured, so adjustments have to be made. Still, it’s a very competent team the one predicted to start.

Inter Miami’s projected lineup is like this: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Casemiro, Maximiliano Falcon, Fricio Caicedo; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Nashville SC confirmed lineup

Traditionally sticking with their trademark 4-3-3, Nashville will have to do without forward Warren Madrigal, who is dealing with a lower-body injury. However, they have depth to cover up.

This is how Nashville is predicted to start: Brian Schwake; Andy Najar, Jeison Palacios, Maxwell Woledzi, Reed Baker-Whiting; Patrick Yazbek, Matthew Corcoran, Hany Mukhtar; Cristian Espinoza, Sam Surridge, Alex Muyl.

That is why Messi is expected to suit up for Inter Miami in today’s Matchday 26 showdown against Nashville. Having traveled with the squad and facing no discipline or injury setbacks, there are no remaining obstacles to keep the Argentine superstar off the pitch.

Messi, who already boasts 18 goals this MLS season, remains the ultimate game-changer, a player capable of creating goal-scoring opportunities out of nothing every time he touches the ball.

After failing to capitalize on Nashville’s recent slip-up, Herons have a prime opportunity to make up ground today, as a victory would keep their hopes alive of climbing to the top of the table.

Predicted lineup for Inter Miami

With kickoff just hours away at Nu Stadium in Miami, here is how Inter are expected to line up against Nashville in this crucial Eastern Conference clash, with Messi in the lead:

• Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair
• Defenders: Ian Fray (RB), Maximiliano Falcon (CB), Fricio Caicedo (CB), Yannick Bright (LB)
• Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia
• Forwards: Lionel Messi (RW), Luis Suarez (ST), German Berterame (LW)

A victory would elevate Inter Miami to 47 points and cut Nashville’s lead to six. While their ultimate seed will depend on late-season results across the league, Miami’s immediate focus rests squarely on Messi steering them to three critical points.

With tonight’s draw, Inter Miami cut the gap on Nashville SC by just a single point after the conference leaders fell to Toronto FC earlier on Wednesday. The Florida club now sits on 44 points, nine points behind the Eastern Conference leader, as its realistic chances of contending for the Supporters’ Shield slip away, though the Herons remain on track to secure an MLS playoff spot.

Inter Miami’s primary goal remains claiming the Supporters’ Shield while mathematical possibilities endure, though the MLS postseason represents the most critical phase of the campaign. They still have nine matchdays left to achieve their objective.

Inter Miami’s draw featuring Messi’s contribution

Awaiting Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez to officially take charge of the squad in the coming days, Inter Miami endured a difficult start to the match. The Chicago Fire managed to open the scoring in the eighth minute through Lewandowski, who headed home a cross from the left wing to make it 1-0 with his seventh goal since arriving in MLS.

However, Inter Miami responded early in the second half with a goal generated by Messi‘s left foot. The Argentine star executed a corner kick to the penalty spot, where Casemiro rose to place a precise header off the right post, beating goalkeeper Christopher Brady.

Crucial matchup ahead for Inter Miami

Up next for Inter Miami is what stands as likely one of their most crucial fixtures of the season, offering a direct opportunity to close the gap and make up ground on Nashville.

Inter Miami will return to MLS action on Saturday, Sept. 12, when they face Nashville SC—the same club that handed them a 4-1 blowout just a few weeks ago.

2026 MLS Supporters’ Shield standings

1. Nashville – 53 points
2. Vancouver – 46 points (one game in hand)
3. Inter Miami – 44 points
4. Houston – 43 points
5. New England – 40 points

“Nashville are a really good team,” Bradley said in response to Bolavip. “Obviously, by a lot of standards, you would say they’ve been the best team in the league so far this year. And so we’re excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against them.“

Nashville displayed a dominant performance on Saturday, handing Miami a 4-1 defeat to increase the gap with Messi and company to five points in the East.

“You know, obviously Miami is another really good team. That was a big match, and I thought on the night Nashville put a lot into it and really made the game hard for Miami,” Bradley added.

Bradley admires Nashville’s style of play

With 43 points in 19 games (W13, D4, L2), Nashville is also in pole position for the Supporters’ Shield title. Bradley is a big admirer of what B.J. Callaghan is doing in the Music City.

“I think Nashville’s football ideas, in terms of having guys in the center of the field, in between the lines, the understanding between their attacking players of how to be fluid and how to balance who wants the ball to their feet and who’s running deep and then how that gets complemented by fullbacks moving into the attack. I think that part is all pretty interesting,” Bradley said.

“So we’re going to continue to look really closely at them, make sure that our players are prepared in the best possible way, and be ready as always when the whistle blows to go after them and to go after the game in a really strong, aggressive way.“

Adri Mehmeti highlights veteran support for Red Bulls’ youngsters

Bradley, who was promoted this year after leading the reserve team to glory in the 2025 MLS Next Pro season, has been working with many young players making their first steps at the pro level.

17-year-old Adri Mehmeti, for instance, has been a sensation for the Red Bulls with one goal and three assists in 18 MLS games in 2026. When asked by Bolavip about Bradley and the veteran leadership on the team, Mehmeti stressed how important the seasoned players are for the younger members of the squad.

“Support has been great from everybody,” Mehmeti said. “I mean, all the staff, all the experienced players. Emil (Forsberg), (Eric Maxim) Choupo-Moting, all the vets, Tim (Parker), Dylan (Nealis). You have a lot of guys that have been helping all of the younger guys this season in a really good way, giving us the confidence when we go into games. We don’t shy away and we just play our football. We play free, and it’s really good that they have our back in every way possible.“

Nashville currently occupy the top spot in the table with 40 points through 18 matchdays. However, Lionel Messi and company follow closely behind with 38 points, meaning a victory for the Herons in Nashville would elevate them to the top of the East.

A continental elimination left a bitter taste for Guillermo Hoyos’ squad. Now, the main objective is to remain near the top of MLS and reach peak form for the final stretch of the championship. A victory against Nashville would represent a statement win against one of their primary rivals for the top spot.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

Lionel Messi will start against Nashville SC. The Argentine put behind a difficult personal period that kept him off the pitch for several matches, returning as a substitute against Leon. Now with improved match fitness, Javier Hoyos is confirmed to return him to the starting XI for a crucial match in the fight for the MLS leadership.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup: Dayne St. Clair; Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon, Gonzalo Lujan, Ian Fray; Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.

Nashville confirmed starting XI

B.J. Callaghan’s team must quickly shift focus back to domestic competition, where it has maintained a high-level campaign with few roster changes. The match against Inter Miami presents a direct opportunity to extend its lead at the top of the East to five points. The main challenge will be recovering energy following a demanding week against a direct rival.

Nashville confirmed lineup: Brian Schwake; Andy Najar, Jeisson Palacios, Maxwell Woledzi, Reed Baker-Whiting; Elias Saad, Matthew Corcoran, Sandvik Tagseth; Cristian Espinoza, Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar.

How to watch Nashville SC vs Atlanta United in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch Nashville SC vs Atlanta United for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With Atlanta United sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference on just 11 points, Nashville SC has a prime opportunity to strengthen its position at the top of the table.

However, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami applying pressure in the race for first place, Nashville know every point is crucial.

Atlanta will be desperate to spring a surprise and revive its season, adding even more intensity to this Eastern Conference showdown. Be sure to tune in and catch every minute of the action.

Nashville SC vs Atlanta United: Predicted Lineups

Nashville SC (4-3-3): Schwake; Najar, Palacios, Woledzi, Lovitz; Espinoza, Corcoran, Tagseth; Mukhtar, Surridge, Qasem.

Atlanta United (4-1-4-1): Hoyos; Jacob, Gregersen, Mihaj, Baez; Muyumba; Miranchuk, Fortune, Sanchez, Galarza; Latte Lath.

What time is the Nashville SC vs Atlanta United match?

The match kicks off today, July 17, at 8:10 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 8:10 PM
Central Time: 7:10 PM
Mountain Time: 6:10 PM
Pacific Time: 5:10 PM

[Watch Tigres UANL vs Nashville SC live in the USA on Fubo]

After earning a gritty 1-0 result in the first leg semifinal match, Tigres UANL return home with a slight edge in this tightly contested series, but there’s no room for overconfidence against a proven MLS side.

The narrow margin keeps the pressure on Tigres to stay sharp, while Nashville SC arrive knowing they’re still firmly in the fight, with just one goal capable of flipping the tie as they look to pull off a road comeback.

When will the Tigres UANL vs Nashville SC match be played?

This second leg game in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals between Tigres UANL and Nashville SC will be played this Tuesday, May 5 at 10:30 PM (ET).

Tigres UANL vs Nashville SC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:30 PM
CT: 9:30 PM
MT: 8:30 PM
PT: 7:30 PM

How to watch Tigres UANL vs Nashville SC in the USA

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

[Watch Nashville SC vs Tigres UANL live in the USA on Fubo]

Brace for a hard-fought clash as Nashville SC meet Tigres UANL in a series built on resilience. Nashville advanced by grinding past Inter Miami on away goals and edging Club America 1-0 on aggregate.

Meanwhile Tigres rallied from a 3-0 first-leg deficit against FC Cincinnati and then slipped by Seattle Sounders via away goals. With both sides thriving in tight situations, this is a matchup you won’t want to miss.

When will the Nashville SC vs Tigres UANL match be played?

This first leg game in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals between Nashville SC and Tigres UANL will be played this Tuesday, April 28 at 8:30 PM (ET).

Nashville SC vs Tigres UANL: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:30 PM
CT: 7:30 PM
MT: 6:30 PM
PT: 5:30 PM

How to watch Nashville SC vs Tigres UANL in the USA

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