SPORTS

Messi Misses Penalty, Nashville Crushes Inter Miami 4-1

PUBLISHED Aug 16, 2026, 7:41 AM ET

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Messi Misses Penalty, Nashville Crushes Inter Miami 4-1

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 16

Center 94%

Right 6%

Sources: 16

Nashville SC beat Inter Miami 4-1 on Saturday at GEODIS Park, strengthening its position atop the MLS Supporters’ Shield race while extending Miami’s night. Andy Nájar opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Telasco Segovia equalized in first-half stoppage time. Hany Mukhtar restored Nashville’s lead early in the second half, Sam Surridge added another, and Mukhtar scored again to complete the rout, according to match records. Messi started for Miami and missed a first-half penalty saved by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake. Contemporary reports say Sergio Reguilón’s follow-up was disallowed for encroachment. Messi later hit both posts and had a goal ruled out for offside, but those incidents were not independently confirmed through an official match recap at publication time. Nashville entered the match five points clear in the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings before the result, according to club material. Messi’s father, Jorge, died August 7 at 68.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On July 17, Nashville defeated Atlanta, extending its Shield lead.
On July 22, Nashville defeated Montréal 1-0 at GEODIS Park.
On July 25, Nashville defeated Orlando City 1-0 on road.
On August 1, Inter Miami defeated Columbus without Messi starting.
On August 5, Messi returned against San Luis post-World Cup.
On August 8, Inter Miami faced Monterrey during Leagues Cup.
On August 12, Inter Miami played Club León before Nashville.
On August 15, Nashville defeated Inter Miami 4-1 at GEODIS.
On August 16, Nashville leads MLS standings following Saturday’s victory.
Over coming weeks, Nashville faces Philadelphia, Columbus, Cincinnati in MLS.
Over coming months, Supporters’ Shield pressure increases as schedules converge.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Nashville strengthens its MLS Supporters’ Shield position after decisive victory.
Possible long-term US impact: Result intensifies MLS title race and scrutiny surrounding Messi’s future.
Most affected groups: Nashville fans, Miami supporters, Messi followers, MLS clubs and players.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official MLS records over rapidly changing social-media match reports.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 16
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 15

Explain Framing

Left: Evidence insufficient to establish a distinct left-leaning framing in coverage. Center: Coverage emphasizes score, scorers, missed penalty, standings, and match events. Right: Coverage emphasizes Messi’s struggles, penalty miss, errors, and possible career uncertainty.