Inter Miami CF clinched a fantastic victory tonight at their home ground in the Round of 16 match-up of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, defeating Nashville SC 3-1, securing their spot in the quarter-finals with a total score of 5-3. In an exciting win at the Chess Stadium, goals from winger Robert Taylor, captain Lionel Messi, and striker Luis Suarez gave the squad the lead.
In Short
line-up
Inter Miami took charge for the second round of the Round of 16 match-up against Nashville SC with Drake Calendar’s goal. The defensive line was solid with Julian Gressel, Thomas Evils, Sergei Krivtsov, Nicholas Freyler, and Jordi Alba. Diego Gomez, Sergio Basquets, and Federico Redondo started in midfield, while captain Messi and Suarez led the attack.
Match Highlights
The home team started the game on the front foot and quickly found the lead on the scoreboard. In the 8th minute, after a precise pass from Messi, Suarez flicked the ball past the goalkeeper from inside the box, wrapping up a splendid team effort.This was Messi’s first assist and second goal of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign, and it was also Suarez’s fourth goal of the season, increasing his total.
Messi strikes for Inter Miami(watch)
After then, Inter Miami kept up the pressure on their rivals, which led to another goal. Messi found the net in the 23rd minute. With a quick move into the box, Gomez sent the ball to Messi in the middle, enabling the Argentine to score with his left foot into the far post and give the home team a 2-0 lead.
Messi makes it✌️
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 14, 2024
Diego Gómez finds Messi who puts it away and doubles the lead!#MIAvNSH | 2-0 pic.twitter.com/Psranb2vck
With this goal, Gomez received his first assist of 2024 and Messi scored his second of the season. In total, Inter Miami concluded the first half with five shots and maintained their 2-0 lead going into the break.
Calendar’s crucial save(watch)
The second half began with Calendar making a crucial save in the 54th minute, denying Nashville a chance to score from close range.
Drake Callender. Big time. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/GgtGMJaVas
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 14, 2024
Despite efforts from the visitors to retaliate, it was Inter Miami who launched another attack to extend their lead. In the 63rd minute, Gressel received a long ball on the right wing, passing it outside the box to Suarez. Subsequently, the Uruguayan striker placed an exquisite cross in the center of the box for Taylor, whose winger headed it past the goalkeeper at the near post to give the home team a 3-0 lead. With this goal, Suarez now has five assists for the season and scored his first goal of the season for Taylor.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Nashville managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from forward Sam Sarrij. However, the scoreline remained stable at 3-1 until the final moments, ensuring Inter Miami’s victory at the Chess Stadium and securing their spot in the quarter-finals with a 5-3 aggregate score in the Round of 16 series.
Also Read : “Barcelona vs Napoli: Dramatic Victory Sends Barça into Champions League Quarter-finals!”
Next Fixture
Inter Miami will hit the road again this Saturday, March 16th, to kick off the MLS regular season action, facing D.C. United at Audi Field at 2 PM ET.
