Messi and Suarez Lead Inter Miami to Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals Victory
Mar 16, 2024
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez shine as they lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Nashville, securing their spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals and displaying their formidable partnership in club football.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez scored goals on Wednesday to help Inter Miami overcome Nashville 3-1 and move on to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals, continuing their great partnership in club football.
After a 2-2 tie in the first leg, Miami got off to a quick start. In the eighth minute, Messi set up Suarez for the opening goal, and in the twenty-third, the Argentine scored the goal himself.
Robert Taylor, who had replaced Messi in the second half, scored a third goal on 63 minutes with a stunning header, and Sam Sturridge gave Nashville a late consolation goal as Mimai advanced 5-3 on aggregate.
When Messi was replaced after 50 minutes, Gerardo "Tata" Martino voiced some concern, but the Miami coach downplayed the Argentine's
Miami, making its first-ever appearance in the competition, will play the winner of Thursday's second leg between FC Cincinnati of the MLS and Monterrey of Mexico in the quarter-finals.
Playing at home, the Liga MX team leads 1-0 after the first leg.
In the first leg in Tennessee, Nashville had seized a two-goal lead; however, goals from Messi and Suarez forced a 2-2 draw.
And even though Miami took the lead straight away, the former Barcelona team again turned out to be the difference.
Messi had a free kick from a central position after being fouled on the edge of the box, but his attempt struck the wall. Messi was given an early chance as a result.
Soon after, Messi created the opening goal with a precisely timed pass to Suarez, who scored with style on the outside of his right foot, matching the accuracy of the assist.
Diego Gomez, a young midfield force, has gained more relevance despite the attention being focused on the seasoned quartet of Barcelona players on the Miami team, which also features Spaniards Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
In the twenty-third minute, the Paraguayan's impressive sprinting scored the second goal. Messi was the one who initially buried the ball, but Gomez dashed into the area and then skilfully sneaked inside to locate him.
Messi has scored five goals this season in five appearances across all competitions. Suarez has scored four goals in six games.
Miami coach Martino, who didn't seem hurt, replaced Taylor with Messi five minutes into the second half.
Following the departure of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Nashville saw growth. They went on the attack with real purpose, and the callender had to make an incredible save to stop Lukas MacNaughton at point-blank range.
But any chance of a Nashville comeback was scuppered by Suarez's brilliant chip into the box towards Taylor, who looped in his header to score it 3-0.
Sam Surridge, an English striker, gave Nashville's Hany Mukhtar a late consolation goal after his effort was flagged offside.
The 32-team Club World Cup in 2025 and the inaugural Intercontinental Cup in December will feature the Champions Cup winners.
