A 12 year low: Unpacking Lionel Messi’s unprecedented Penalty curse after Nashville rout

15.08.26 FT MLS USA

Nashville SC

4

:

Inter Miami CF

1

Inter Miami suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC on Saturday night, with Lionel Messi missing his third consecutive penalty kick across all competitions as his side slumped to a third straight defeat.

Read Also: David Beckham sends an emotional message to Messi regarding the rumors of his retirement!

Penalty setback and historic unwanted milestone

Inter Miami had an immediate opportunity to level the score in the 23rd minute after Andy Najar gave Nashville a 17th minute lead at Geodis Park.

However, Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake denied Messi from the spot with a low save down to his right.

While Sergio Reguilon slotted home the rebound, the goal was disallowed following a VAR review due to encroachment by players into the penalty box prior to the kick.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, this marks the first time since 2014 that Messi has failed to convert three consecutive penalties. The Argentine captain previously missed two attempts at the FIFA World Cup 2026, against Austria in the group stage and Egypt in the round of 16.

It also represents his first penalty failure in Major League Soccer since 13 September 2025.

Nashville take control in second-half blitz

Inter Miami found a way back just before the interval when Messi delivered an assist to Telasco Segovia who showed excellent composure to make it 1-1 in first half stoppage time.

However, Nashville dominated the second half:

• Sam Surridge restored the hosts' lead with an inventive backheel finish
  
• Hany Mukhtar, the former MLS MVP, struck twice to take the match completely out of Miami's reach
  
• The Fourth Goal, Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo slipped outside his penalty area allowing a long clearance from Nashville shot stopper Schwake to find Mukhtar who rolled the ball into an empty net

Frustration boiled over for Messi, who received a yellow card for protesting an uncalled foul during the buildup to Surridge's goal. The 39 year old's difficult night was compounded in late stoppage time when a single effort struck both posts before an eventual rebound finish was ruled out for offside.

Emotional return and supporter's shield implications

The match marked Messi's first start since the passing of his father, Jorge, a week ago. The playmaker had previously sat out a Leagues Cup defeat to Monterrey before making a substitute appearance in Wednesday's loss against Leon.

Miami's third consecutive defeat in all competitions leaves their Supporters' Shield hopes with a major setback. While a victory would have lifted the reigning MLS Cup champions above Nashville to the summit of the table, Nashville now hold a five point cushion at the top of the Eastern Conference with 15 regular season matches remaining.

Defensive collapse and the cost of tactical imbalance

Miami's defensive structure collapsed under Nashville's swift transitions in the second half. While Messi provided moments of individual creative quality, the absence of tactical balance and defensive cohesion, amplified by the emotional weight of recent personal events and back to back Leagues Cup exits without Luis Suarez, left Miami vulnerable.

Re establishing defensive discipline will be critical if Miami are to prevent Nashville from pulling away in the regular season title race.

What happens next?

Inter Miami will look to snap their three match losing streak when they travel to face Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night before returning to Chase Stadium for the final stretch of the regular season.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Nashville SC

Inter Miami CF

MLS USA