Inter Miami Player Ratings Vs Nashville: Messi’s Magic Too Late As Herons Fall In Game Two

It was a frustrating night for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi’s late goal wasn’t enough to save them from a 2-1 defeat to Nashville in game two of the MLS playoffs. The Herons now face a winner-take-all game three after another inconsistent performance at Geodis Park.

Miami started poorly, conceding early when goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo misjudged a lofted ball and brought down Sam Surridge in the box. The English forward made no mistake from the spot to give Nashville the lead.

The visitors improved but failed to take their chances. Luis Suarez hit the post, Messi missed narrowly, and Tadeo Allende squandered a sitter before halftime. Then another lapse at the back cost them again — Josh Bauer reacted first to a loose ball from a corner to double Nashville’s advantage.

Messi eventually pulled one back with a trademark strike into the top corner, but it came too late. Nashville’s defense stayed organized and resilient, seeing out the win to force a decisive game three.

Here’s how the Inter Miami players rated:

Goalkeeper & Defense

Rocco Rios Novo (4/10):
A poor showing. His misjudgment led to the penalty, and he was nowhere near the second goal.

Ian Fray (6/10):
Aggressive in defense but reckless at times. Needs to stay composed for the final game.

Maxi Falcon (6/10):
Slow to react on the pass that led to the penalty. Solid afterward but far from convincing.

Noah Allen (7/10):
Steady defensively and unlucky to be subbed at halftime for tactical reasons.

Jordi Alba (6/10):
Energetic as always and linked well with Messi, but his final delivery lacked precision.

Midfield

Baltasar Rodriguez (5/10):
Barely influenced the game and was taken off early in the second half.

Rodrigo De Paul (8/10):
Miami’s best midfielder. Controlled possession, distributed well, and stayed composed under pressure.

Sergio Busquets (5/10):
Looked sluggish and struggled when the game became stretched. Left De Paul with too much to do.

Tadeo Allende (5/10):
Missed a golden chance in the first half and never recovered his rhythm.

Attack

Lionel Messi (8/10):
Quiet for most of the game but produced a brilliant goal to give Miami hope. Still the one to make things happen.

Luis Suarez (6/10):
Hit the post early on but faded as the match went on. Couldn’t find the finishing touch.

Final verdict

Inter Miami will be disappointed with their defensive mistakes and wastefulness in attack. Messi’s magic gave them a lifeline, but Nashville’s discipline and intensity were enough to seal the win. With everything on the line in game three, Miami will need more focus, sharper finishing, and far fewer errors if they hope to stay alive in the playoffs.