Advantage Miami as they win game one against Nashville

Inter Miami 3–1 Nashville SC

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–Inter Miami took a significant step forward in their bid to be crowned champions after beating Nashville in the first game of the playoffs.

Before kick off Lionel Messi received the golden boot  award and another brace sealed the win for the Herons as they moved a step closer to the semi finals with a commanding win in front of their home fans.

The leagues top scorer continued his goal scoring exploits with a fine header and a simple tap in for his second as the Miami attacking threat produced some quality football.

Luis Suarez didn’t get on the score sheet but his touch and ability to pick a pass makes him a constant threat to any defender. His floated ball in for Messi to head home was sublime and made it seventeen assists this season in all competitions.

Nashville could have taken the lead earlier when Jacob Shaffelburg won the ball and ran at the goal, but he lost his footing at the crucial moment and the chance was lost.

Soon after that they lost possession in their own half and were punished for it when Rodrigo DePaul picked up the lose ball and slid it into the path of Messi. He in turn found Suarez who picked out his captains run for a diving header to open the scoring and set Miami on their way.

The game was open without either side having any really clear openings and it wasn’t until well passed the hour mark before Miami doubled their lead.

Ian Fray made a good run down the right and was found by Messi with the perfect pass. The full back then matched that with the perfect cross for Tasso Allende whose thumping header beat the diving Joe Willis.

The front man had a great chance earlier on but a fine stop from Willis frustrated the Argentine, but the keeper couldn’t get close to the header as it doubled Miami’s lead.

Nashville continued to chase the game but they were no match for the Herons who were dictating play and managed to slip into that familiar rhythm that sees them dominate games.

Messi was pulling the strings and Sergio Busquets played his usual role as the metronome that keeps this side ticking over. His retirement at the end of the season will be a big loss to the club.

The pressure eventually told as Miami continued to ask questions of the Nashville defensive line, and it was Messi who picked up his second goal of the game.

A searching cross from Jordi Alba in the dying moments of the match was dropped by Willis and the ball fell at the feet of Messi for the easiest of tap ins.

Nashville did give themselves something of a lifeline when they pulled one back in the last seconds, but it was little more than a consolation goal.

Hany Mukhtar had a free kick on the edge of the area and he delightfully beat Rocco Rio Novo in the Miami goal  with a great curling strike into the side of the net.

It may not count for much but it will give them some degree of confidence that they can crack the Miami defense when they do it all again in game two as they fight for a place in the semi finals.

Photos by Edwin Gomez

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