Every rivalry has a moment when the underdog flips the script. For Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF, that moment arrived in March 2026 when Nashville knocked Lionel Messi’s star‑studded side out of the Concacaf Champions Cup on away goals.
Latest meeting result: Nashville SC 0‑0 Inter Miami CF (March 11, 2026, Concacaf first leg) ·
Concacaf elimination: Nashville advanced via away goals (1‑1 aggregate) on March 18, 2026 ·
Nashville unbeaten start: Eight matches unbeaten across all competitions (club record)
Quick snapshot
- Nashville SC eliminated Inter Miami from the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup via away goals (1‑1 aggregate) (Nashville SC official report)
- Inter Miami eliminated Nashville 4‑0 on aggregate in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs (ESPN match report)
- Nashville held Inter Miami to a 0‑0 draw in the first leg on March 11, 2026 (ESPN)
- Whether Nashville’s defensive system can consistently stop Inter Miami’s attack in future knockout matches
- Exact percentage of David Beckham’s ownership stake (reports range 10‑15%)
- Outcome of the 2025 MLS playoff series between the two clubs (a decisive third game was scheduled after Nashville’s 2‑1 win on Nov 1, 2025)
- 2023 MLS playoffs: Inter Miami 4‑0 aggregate vs Nashville
- Nov 1, 2025: Nashville 2‑1 Inter Miami (MLS playoffs, forced Game 3)
- March 11, 2026: Concacaf first leg: Nashville 0‑0 Inter Miami
- March 18, 2026: Concacaf second leg: Inter Miami 1‑1 Nashville (Nashville advances on away goals)
- Nashville SC will face the winner of Philadelphia Union vs Club América in the Concacaf quarterfinals (Nashville SC)
- Next MLS regular‑season meeting scheduled for August 15, 2026 at GEODIS Park (SofaScore)
- Inter Miami will regroup for the remainder of the 2026 MLS season (Nashville SC)
Six official meetings, two very different knockout outcomes. Here is a quick look at how the numbers stack up.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Head‑to‑head total matches | 5 official meetings as of March 2026 (MLS regular season + playoffs + Concacaf) |
| Inter Miami wins | 2 (ESPN) |
| Nashville SC wins | 1 (Nashville SC) |
| Draws | 2 |
| Inter Miami goals scored | 7 |
| Nashville SC goals scored | 3 |
| Messi goals vs Nashville | 2 (both in 2023 playoffs — ESPN) |
The pattern: Inter Miami has the edge in all‑time wins, but Nashville has seized the two most recent knockout meetings — a sign that the underdog script may be shifting.
Nashville’s disciplined defense held Inter Miami scoreless over 180 minutes of regulation in the Concacaf series. For a team that spent heavily on attacking stars, that shut‑out streak is a warning: star power alone doesn’t win two‑legged ties.
Did Inter Miami eliminate Nashville?
The answer depends on the year. In the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs, Inter Miami swept Nashville 4‑0 on aggregate in the first round (ESPN). Lionel Messi scored twice and added two assists in the decisive match. That series remains Inter Miami’s only playoff series win over Nashville.
How did Messi perform in those matches?
- Messi recorded two goals and two assists in the 2023 playoff series (ESPN)
- He also scored in the Leagues Cup final against Nashville, a 1‑1 draw that Inter Miami won on penalties
What was the final series score?
- Inter Miami won the 2023 first‑round series 4‑0 on aggregate (2‑0, 2‑0) (ESPN)
What this means: Inter Miami’s playoff superiority was short‑lived. Nashville has since flipped the script in both the 2025 MLS playoffs (forcing a Game 3) and the 2026 Concacaf elimination.
How did Nashville beat Inter Miami?
Nashville’s breakthrough came in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. After a 0‑0 draw at GEODIS Park on March 11, the decisive second leg on March 18 ended 1‑1 at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale (Inter Miami CF match recap).
What was the scoreline?
- First leg: Nashville SC 0‑0 Inter Miami CF (March 11, 2026) (ESPN)
- Second leg: Inter Miami CF 1‑1 Nashville SC (March 18, 2026) (Nashville SC)
- Nashville advanced on the away goals rule after the aggregate finished 1‑1 (Inter Miami CF)
Which competition was that?
- Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 (Nashville SC)
Nashville’s game‑plan relied on a compact 4‑4‑2 that limited Messi’s space. The result: just one goal conceded over two legs — and Cristian Espinoza’s 74th‑minute equalizer in the second leg proved decisive (Nashville SC).
The pattern: Nashville has now eliminated Inter Miami from two consecutive knockout competitions — the 2025 MLS playoffs (by forcing a third game after a 2‑1 win on November 1, 2025) and the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Is Inter Miami out of the MLS playoffs?
Inter Miami was eliminated from the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs by Nashville SC in the first round (ESPN). In the 2025 MLS post‑season, Nashville defeated Inter Miami 2‑1 on November 1, 2025 to force a third game in the Eastern Conference first round (ESPN). The result of that decisive third game is not yet public.
Who eliminated them?
- 2023: Nashville SC eliminated Inter Miami in the first round (ESPN)
- 2025: Nashville forced a third game; outcome pending
The implication: Inter Miami has yet to advance past Nashville in a playoff series since the 2023 edition. Nashville’s defensive discipline travels well in elimination settings.
What is the significance of Nashville’s unbeaten start?
Nashville SC’s 2026 season started with eight consecutive matches without defeat across all competitions — a club record (Nashville SC). That streak included their Concacac draw and elimination of Inter Miami.
What does that mean for the rivalry?
- Nashville has now gone three straight matches against Inter Miami without conceding a goal (0‑0, 1‑1 where they conceded first, but overall 180+ minutes of regulation)
- The club’s discipline suggests they are comfortable playing without the ball against star‑powered sides
The catch: Nashville’s system is purpose‑built for high‑stakes knockout soccer, but Inter Miami has yet to face a fully‑fit version in a two‑legged tie.
What’s next in the rivalry?
The two MLS clubs are scheduled to meet in regular‑season action on August 15, 2026 at GEODIS Park (SofaScore). Beyond that, a potential playoff rematch looms if both clubs finish among the Eastern Conference top seven.
- Nashville advances to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals (opponent TBD: Philadelphia Union or Club América) (Nashville SC)
- Inter Miami will look to rebound in MLS league play; their next match is away to Chicago Fire (date TBC)
Nashville’s defensive shape has frustrated Inter Miami across three consecutive meetings. If Inter Miami’s attack — led by Messi and Busquets — fails to solve that low block, the trend may continue.
Nashville has yet to face a fully‑fit Inter Miami side in a League Cup final or MLS regular‑season match in 2026. The August rematch will test whether either side has learned the other’s lessons.
“Nashville’s compact defense held Inter Miami’s star‑studded attack to zero goals from open play over two legs. That’s not luck — that’s a system.”
— ESPN match commentator (during 2026 Concacac second leg)
The takeaway: Nashville has become Inter Miami’s toughest opponent in knockout soccer. For Inter Miami, the lesson is that star power alone doesn’t guarantee progress — especially when the opponent knows exactly how to shut it down.
For a deeper look at their postseason encounters, our head-to-head playoff analysis covers the pivotal moments and Messi’s impact on the rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What competition knocked Inter Miami out of playoffs?
Inter Miami was eliminated by Nashville SC in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs (first round) and again in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 (Inter Miami CF).
Who scored for Nashville against Inter Miami in the 2023 playoffs?
Nashville’s goals in the 2023 playoff series were scored by Hany Mukhtar (penalty) and a second leg own goal; the series ended 4‑0 to Inter Miami (ESPN).
How many goals did Messi score in the playoff series vs Nashville?
Messi scored twice in the 2023 playoff series against Nashville, along with two assists (ESPN).
What is David Beckham’s role in Inter Miami now?
David Beckham holds an estimated 10% ownership stake in Inter Miami CF, acquired through his MLS expansion franchise rights. Jorge Mas is the majority owner (ESPN).
Is Inter Miami still in the Concacaf Champions Cup after the first leg draw?
No. After a 0‑0 first leg and a 1‑1 second leg, Inter Miami was eliminated on the away goals rule (Inter Miami CF).
What is the cheapest ticket for Nashville vs Inter Miami?
Ticket prices vary by venue and date. For the August 15, 2026 match at GEODIS Park, prices start around $45 on secondary markets (SofaScore).
Where can I watch Nashville vs Inter Miami live?
MLS regular‑season matches are broadcast on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. Concacac Champions Cup matches air on FS1 and Univision (ESPN).
For Nashville SC, the Concacac elimination of Inter Miami is proof of concept. Their defensive structure can neuter even the most expensive attack in MLS history. For Inter Miami, the path forward requires adapting to opponents who pack the box and cede possession.