NASHVILLE — Lionel Messi was denied his 900th career goal on Wednesday as reigning MLS champion Inter Miami played a 0-0 draw at Nashville SC in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 tie .
The 38-year-old Argentine superstar striker was tightly marked throughout the match at Geodis Park, unable to add to his historic tally as both teams fought to a stalemate ahead of next Wednesday’s decisive second leg in Fort Lauderdale .
The Chase for 900
Messi entered the match needing just one goal to reach the monumental 900th career tally after netting his 80th goal for Miami, and 899th of his career, last Saturday in an MLS triumph over DC United . The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 39 in June, has accumulated his goals across a legendary career:
| Team/Competition | Goals |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | 672 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 32 |
| Inter Miami | 80 |
| Argentina National Team | 115 |
| Total | 899 |
Match Action
Rain arrived after a scoreless first half, but defenders still dominated the proceedings . Messi was tightly marked throughout, with Nashville’s defensive game plan clearly focused on denying the Argentine any space in the final third .
Messi’s best chance came in the 57th minute when he was denied by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake’s save on a right-footed shot from the right side of the box . The effort was well-struck, but Schwake was equal to the task, parrying the ball away from danger .
At the other end, Inter Miami keeper Dayne St. Clair was called into action in the 65th minute, denying a header by Nashville’s Reed Baker-Whiting off a Cristian Espinoza cross to keep the match scoreless .
Second Leg Ahead
The 0-0 draw sets up a crucial second leg at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale next Wednesday, where Messi will have another opportunity to reach the 900-goal milestone while helping his team advance in the competition .
Inter Miami entered the Champions Cup as the reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield winners and will be favorites to progress on home soil. The winner of the tie will advance to the quarterfinals of the North American club competition .
For Messi, the milestone continues to tantalizingly hover just out of reach, but with the second leg at home and Miami’s attacking firepower, it appears only a matter of time before he joins the exclusive 900-goal club in professional football history.
