Nashville: The Emerging Force
Nashville, a relatively recent entrant to the MLS scene since 2020, has already made waves. Earning a spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals and securing an impressive fourth place in the domestic league, the club from Tennessee showcases promising potential.
Following Inter Miami’s triumphant 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union on August 16, Nashville SC claimed a notable 2-0 win against Monterrey (Mexico) in the other semifinal, setting the stage for Messi and his comrades to face the final showdown on away turf.
The Leagues Cup fixture schedule had been previously laid out, dictating that Inter Miami would host the final only if Monterrey advanced. However, with Nashville SC’s triumph, Messi’s third away game with Inter Miami on U.S. soil is imminent.
“Here we come to the final. We did it!!! One more match to go…”, Messi jubilantly wrote in an Instagram post after Inter Miami’s victory against Philadelphia Union. In this match, Messi continued his goal-scoring streak, making it six consecutive matches, contributing to a total of nine goals and one assist since his Inter Miami debut.
This goal tally has propelled Messi to share the lead for most goals scored for Inter Miami this season with Josef Martinez. It’s worth noting that Messi has played only six games compared to Martinez’s 30 appearances.
Jim Curtin, the head coach of Philadelphia Union, acknowledged, “With Messi, nothing can stop Inter Miami.”
Inter Miami’s Path to Glory
Securing a spot in the Leagues Cup final guarantees Inter Miami’s participation in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Should they clinch victory, Messi and his teammates would progress directly to the round of 16.
The Leagues Cup final showdown between Inter Miami and Nashville SC will unfold at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, at 8:00 PM on August 20 (Vietnam time). The 30,000-seat Geodis Park is anticipated to witness a full-house crowd, mirroring the enthusiastic turnouts at recent away games for Messi and the team against FC Dallas United and Philadelphia Union.
Analyzing the Contest
While Nashville SC commands respect as the fourth-ranked team in the MLS 2023 Eastern Conference standings, Inter Miami finds themselves at the bottom. However, Inter Miami boasts a higher probability of securing the Leagues Cup championship compared to their rival, even though the final is an away fixture.
Notably, Inter Miami’s semifinal opponent, Philadelphia Union, also holds a strong MLS position (third in the Eastern Conference and fourth overall, above Nashville SC). Yet, they were outmatched by Messi and his companions in a battle of tactics.
The outcome of this intriguing clash between Inter Miami and Nashville SC will certainly be one for the books, where Messi’s prowess and Inter Miami’s collective effort will be put to the ultimate test against a determined and robust adversary.
