Lionel Messi scored his first ever CONCACAF Champions Cup goal as he fired Inter Miami back into the first leg of their tie against Nashville SC.
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Inter Miami draw 2-2 with Nashville SCMessi & Suarez net goalsHerons have away-goal advantageWHAT HAPPENED?
On his brilliant left foot, the Argentine fired from the edge of the box with a drilled looping effort that dipped over the Nashville goalkeeper. The goal was immediately met with chants of "MESSI – MESSI – MESSI" throughout the stadium, despite it being a road match for Inter Miami.
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The Herons had a rough first half, conceding four minutes into the match and then failing to find any momentum in the attacking third despite 70% possession. Then, one minute into the final 45 minutes, Jacob Shaffelburg net his second goal of the night for the hosts to give Nashville a 2-0 lead. Messi, however, earned a goal back to bring the Herons back into the match and that was the boost they needed.
The momentum swung in their favor and then, with just seconds to spare, their superstars came together to secure a second away goal. Luis Suarez was found by Sergio Busquets and the Uruguayan sensation nodded home to make it 2-2.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?
The Herons will take on CF Montreal Sunday in an Eastern Conference clash between two powerhouses. Then, their focus will shift to Thursday when they will host Nashville in the second leg of the Champions Cup last 16. They do have an away goal advantage, though, which clearly boosts their chances of advancing.