Inter Miami Player Ratings vs Nashville SC: Lionel Messi's Brilliance Strikes Again as Argentine's Brace Leads Herons to Narrow Victory. Lionel Messi made more history Saturday evening as Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 2-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 12, 2025. The Argentine, scorer of both goals for the Herons, achieved a remarkable feat by scoring braces in five consecutive MLS matches, becoming the first player in league history to do so. This performance extended his existing record of four games with multiple goal contributions, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play in Major League Soccer.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning low-driven free kick that caught Nashville’s defense and goalkeeper off guard. His left-footed strike set the tone for a competitive match. However, Nashville SC responded early in the second half when 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar headed home a pinpoint cross from Andy Najar, beating Inter Miami defenders Maxi Falcon and Hector Martinez. Undeterred, Messi struck again in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a critical error by Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis. The veteran goalkeeper’s errant pass was intercepted by Messi, who rounded Willis and calmly slotted the ball into the net for the 2-1 lead.
The victory extended Inter Miami’s league win streak to five matches, with the Herons now unbeaten in their last six MLS games. With 38 points, they sit five points behind Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union, though Inter Miami holds three games in hand. Below, we rate the performances of Inter Miami’s players at Chase Stadium, assessing their contributions in a tightly contested match.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper
Drake Callender – 7/10
Callender was reliable between the posts, making three key saves to keep Inter Miami in the game. He had little chance to stop Mukhtar’s powerful header but showed composure in dealing with Nashville’s limited chances thereafter. His distribution was steady, helping Miami maintain possession under pressure.
Defenders
Jordi Alba – 7.5/10
The Spanish veteran was a constant threat down the left flank, combining effectively with Messi and Diego Gómez. Alba’s overlapping runs stretched Nashville’s defense, and he delivered two key passes that created dangerous moments. Defensively, he was solid, winning 3 of 4 ground duels and making a crucial interception late in the match.
Maxi Falcon – 6/10
Falcon struggled to contain Hany Mukhtar on Nashville’s equalizer, as the German forward outmuscled him in the box. However, he recovered well, winning 5 of 7 aerial duels and making four clearances to help stabilize the backline. His passing was tidy, completing 88% of his attempts.
Hector Martinez – 6.5/10
Martinez was caught out of position on Mukhtar’s goal but redeemed himself with a strong second-half performance. He made six clearances and two tackles, showing resilience against Nashville’s physical forwards. His ball-playing ability was evident, with a 90% pass completion rate.
Marcelo Weigandt – 7/10
The right-back was defensively sound, limiting Nashville’s threat down his flank. Weigandt won 4 of 5 duels and contributed two clearances. Going forward, he was conservative but effective, completing 85% of his passes and linking well with Federico Redondo in midfield.
Midfielders
Federico Redondo – 7.5/10
Redondo was a standout in central midfield, dictating the tempo with his composure on the ball. He completed 92% of his passes, including three long balls that switched play effectively. Defensively, he won two tackles and made three interceptions, breaking up Nashville’s counterattacks.
Sergio Busquets – 8/10
The veteran midfielder was the heartbeat of Inter Miami’s play, orchestrating the game with his trademark poise. Busquets completed 95% of his passes, including a pinpoint through ball that led to a chance for Diego Gómez. He also won 3 of 4 duels and made two interceptions, showcasing his defensive intelligence.
Diego Gómez – 7/10
Gómez brought energy to the midfield, pressing Nashville relentlessly and winning five duels. His forward runs created space for Messi and Alba, though he was less effective in the final third, with only one shot on target. His work rate was crucial in maintaining Miami’s high pressing game.
Forwards
Lionel Messi – 9.5/10
Messi was, once again, the difference-maker. His first goal, a brilliantly executed free kick in the 17th minute, showcased his unparalleled set-piece ability. His second, a clinical finish after intercepting Willis’ mistake, secured the win. Beyond his goals, Messi created three chances, completed four dribbles, and drew two fouls, constantly troubling Nashville’s defense.
Luis Suárez – 6.5/10
Suárez worked tirelessly but was less clinical than his teammate. He had one shot on target and created a chance for Gómez with a clever flick. His hold-up play was effective, winning 4 of 6 duels, but he lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.
Robert Taylor – 6/10
Taylor was quiet for much of the match, struggling to make an impact against Nashville’s compact defense. He completed one dribble and had a shot blocked but contributed defensively with two tackles. His link-up play with Weigandt was inconsistent, leading to his substitution in the 70th minute.
Substitutes
Julian Gressel (70’ for Taylor) – 6.5/10
Gressel brought fresh legs and energy, helping Miami maintain control in the final stages. He completed 90% of his passes and made one key pass that nearly led to a third goal. Defensively, he was solid, winning two duels.
Yannick Bright (80’ for Gómez) – 6/10
Bright provided stability in midfield late in the game, completing all of his passes in limited minutes. He made one tackle but had little time to influence the attack.
Leonardo Campana (85’ for Suárez) – 6/10
Campana had a brief cameo, holding up play well in the closing minutes. He won an aerial duel and helped Miami see out the victory with composed possession.
Manager
Gerardo Martino – 8/10
Martino’s tactical setup allowed Messi and Alba to exploit Nashville’s flanks, while his midfield trio of Busquets, Redondo, and Gómez provided balance. His substitutions were timely, with Gressel and Bright helping to close out the game. Martino’s game plan ensured Miami capitalized on their chances while remaining defensively sound.
Match Analysis
Inter Miami’s victory was a testament to their attacking prowess and resilience. Messi’s brilliance was the headline, but the contributions of Busquets and Alba were equally vital in maintaining control. Nashville’s goal exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in aerial duels, but Miami’s backline held firm in the second half. The Herons’ ability to capitalize on Willis’ error highlighted their clinical edge, a hallmark of their recent form.
With this win, Inter Miami continues to build momentum in the MLS season. Their unbeaten run and games in hand put them in a strong position to challenge for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. However, they will need to address defensive lapses, particularly against set pieces and crosses, to maintain their title push.
Key Moments
17’: Messi scores a stunning free kick to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead.
46’: Mukhtar equalizes with a header from Najar’s cross, exploiting a defensive error.
62’: Messi capitalizes on Willis’ mistake, rounding the goalkeeper to score the winning goal.
70’-85’: Substitutions of Gressel, Bright, and Campana help Miami see out the game.
Lionel Messi’s historic performance powered Inter Miami to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nashville SC. His brace, combined with strong performances from Busquets, Alba, and Redondo, ensured the Herons maintained their impressive form. As Miami continues their push for the MLS Cup, Messi’s brilliance remains the cornerstone of their success, but the team’s depth and tactical discipline are proving equally important.
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