Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF Battle to a Scoreless Draw
In a highly anticipated matchup, Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF played to a 0-0 draw on March 11, 2026, at Geodis Park in Nashville. The match marked the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, with both teams aiming to secure a favorable position for the second leg scheduled for March 18 at Inter Miami Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Despite the scoreline, the match was filled with action. Nashville SC dominated the offensive play, registering a total of 15 shots, five of which were on target. In contrast, Inter Miami managed only one shot on goal, a notable attempt by Lionel Messi in the 57th minute, which was expertly saved by Nashville’s goalkeeper, Brian Schwake. Messi entered the match with 899 career goals, seeking to reach the milestone of 900, but was ultimately thwarted by a resilient Nashville defense.
Inter Miami controlled 59% of possession during the match, showcasing their ability to maintain the ball but failing to convert that control into scoring opportunities. Nashville’s goalkeeper, Dayne St. Clair, made several key saves to keep the match scoreless, demonstrating his importance to the team’s defensive efforts. The match began at 7:30 p.m. ET, setting the stage for an intense evening of soccer.
Maxi Falcon’s injury in the 5th minute forced Inter Miami to make an early substitution, bringing in Gonzalo Lujan. This change, along with the tactical adjustments made by both teams, contributed to the tightly contested nature of the match. Javier Mascherano, a key player for Inter Miami, acknowledged the familiarity between the two teams, stating, “We know them, and they know us,” emphasizing the competitive spirit that defined the encounter.
As the match unfolded, B.J. Callahan, Nashville’s coach, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, noting, “We walk away pleased with the performance and the result, still knowing we have a few things to work on.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing development of both teams as they navigate the challenges of the tournament.
Historically, Messi has had a strong record against Nashville, scoring 15 goals in 10 matches since joining MLS in July 2023, including a hat trick in a previous encounter. However, this match was a testament to Nashville’s defensive capabilities, as they successfully contained one of soccer’s greatest players.
The outcome of this match sets the stage for a crucial second leg, where the winner will advance to face either Club América or the Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals. If the second leg ends in a draw, the teams will proceed to extra time and potentially penalty kicks, adding an extra layer of tension to the upcoming clash.
As both teams prepare for the decisive second leg, the anticipation continues to build. Javier Mascherano remarked on the importance of the tie for both the team and Messi, stating, “It was obviously important for the tie, for the team and also for him.” With the stakes high, fans can expect another thrilling encounter as Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF vie for a place in the next round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.