Lionel Messi Denied 900th Career Goal in Inter Miami Draw at Nashville

Reigning Major League Soccer champions, Inter Miami, played to a 0-0 draw against Nashville SC on Wednesday in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Nashville defenders tightly marked the 38-year-old Argentine superstar throughout the match. The game served as a first leg showdown in the round of 16 for the North American club tournament.

Messi moved within one goal of the historic 900 mark just last Saturday. He netted his 80th goal for Inter Miami in an MLS victory over DC United. That strike brought his overall career tally to 899 goals.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will turn 39 in June. His career total includes 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 international goals for the Argentine national team.

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Rain began to fall at GEODIS Park after a scoreless first half. The weather did not change the defensive nature of the match. Both teams struggled to break through strong backlines.

Messi found an opening in the 57th minute. He fired a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty box. Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake made a crucial save to deny the milestone goal.

Nashville also created scoring opportunities. Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair produced a major save in the 65th minute. He stopped a header by Reed Baker-Whiting off a cross from Cristian Espinoza to preserve the scoreless draw.

Inter Miami will now return to Florida. The team will host Nashville for the decisive second leg of the matchup next Wednesday.