Lionel Messi will likely be concentrating on the CONCACAF Champions Cup as one in all his main goals for 2026 after capturing the MLS Cup final season. With the event already underway, Inter Miami have now realized their opponent for his or her debut on this yr’s continental competitors.
Inter Miami will face Nashville SC within the Champions Cup Spherical of 16, with the primary leg set for March 11 at GEODIS Park and the return leg scheduled for March 18 at Chase Stadium. As a result of the Herons received the MLS Cup in 2025, they earned direct passage into this stage reasonably than beginning within the opening spherical like most golf equipment.
For the primary spherical of the competitors, Inter Miami’s opponent was decided by the winner of the tie between Nashville and Atlético Ottawa. The MLS facet seized management of the matchup with a cushty 2-0 street victory within the first leg, placing them in agency place to shut out the sequence at dwelling.
Nashville and Atlético Ottawa met once more Tuesday at GEODIS Park. Regardless of rotating the squad and resting a number of stars like Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge following their league opener, the hosts nonetheless rolled to a dominant 5-0 victory, with Alex Muyl, Jordan Knight, Woobens Pacius, Jack Maher and Ahmed Qasem because the goalscorers of a one-sided efficiency.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring towards Nashville SC.
Curiously, the Spherical of 16 showdown between Inter Miami and Nashville marks a rematch from two years in the past. In 2024, the golf equipment performed to a 2-2 draw within the first leg in Nashville (with Messi scoring as soon as) earlier than Miami secured a 3-1 win within the return leg to advance, fueled by a purpose and an help from the Argentine star.
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Lionel Messi’s sturdy observe report vs. Nashville
Since arriving at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has confronted Nashville SC extra usually than some other U.S.-based opponent throughout a number of competitions. 4 of these conferences have are available in Main League Soccer play, three in final season’s playoffs, two within the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and one within the Leagues Cup.
Throughout these 10 matchups towards the Boys in Gold, Messi has seven wins, two attracts, and only one loss. They’ve additionally develop into one in all his favourite opponents statistically, with the Miami star recording 15 objectives (a median of 1.5 per sport) together with 4 assists, underscoring his constant dominance on this matchup.
Inter Miami set for farewell at Chase Stadium
The Champions Cup sequence can even carry added significance for Inter Miami past the worldwide stakes, as it’s set to be the membership’s closing match at Chase Stadium earlier than relocating to its new dwelling.
Again in January, Inter Miami confirmed the Spherical of 16 second leg can be staged on the Chase Stadium, with tickets launched for the March 18 date. The Herons are scheduled to open Miami Freedom Park on April 4 towards Austin FC, which can mark the staff’s first MLS dwelling match on the new venue.
