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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami's Lionel Messi achieved a career milestone, but Nashville earned a draw that felt like a victory.
Messi scored the 900th goal of his career, yet Cristian Espinoza's 74th-minute goal secured a 1-1 draw for Nashville in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match on Wednesday night.
After a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Nashville last week, the aggregate score was tied. However, Nashville advanced on the away goals rule, ending the reigning MLS champions' hopes of claiming another trophy.
Espinoza's goal came from a chaotic play where he capitalized on being in the right place at the right time.
Nashville's Alex Muyl took a shot that was blocked by Inter Miami defender Gonzalo Luján, whose sliding deflection sent the ball airborne with topspin toward the goal. Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair scrambled to punch it away but only managed a weak clearance.
St. Clair's momentum carried him into the net along with three other Inter Miami defenders, leaving Espinoza with an easy finish to level the match.
This was Inter Miami's first match at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale since last season's MLS Cup final and potentially their last, as the team is scheduled to open its new stadium near Miami International Airport on April 4.
Though the match ended in a draw, the result likely felt like a loss for Inter Miami.
Messi, the Argentine superstar, opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a goal that was classic Messi. Despite being well-defended and facing traffic in front of the goal, he controlled a pass with his back to the net about 12 yards out and fired a left-footed shot that slipped through the legs of Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios and past diving goalkeeper Brian Schwake.
Inter Miami failed to score again, and Nashville eventually found the equalizer.
In the 67th minute, Nashville's Hany Mukhtar had a great chance to tie the game. Although Inter Miami argued he was offside and replays suggested they had a point, Mukhtar broke free in the middle of the field and faced St. Clair alone but missed the target.
A few minutes later, the missed opportunity was forgotten as Nashville scored. Messi had one last chance during four minutes of stoppage time, but his shot was blocked, and Nashville secured their advancement.
