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Lionel Messi was denied the chance to score his 900th career goal on Wednesday as his team, Inter Miami, played to a goalless draw against Nashville in the first leg of their CONCACAF Cup Round of 16 clash.
The 38-year-old Argentine forward, who has been in sensational form, was closely marked throughout the match, with Nashville’s defence proving difficult to break.
Messi had been on the verge of reaching the remarkable milestone, having netted his 899th career goal just last Saturday in Inter Miami’s 3-0 MLS victory over DC United. His 80th goal for Miami brought him within a single strike of the milestone, a testament to his relentless consistency despite his advancing years.
With 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 for Argentina, Messi has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.
The match against Nashville, however, saw Messi thwarted at every turn. While Messi’s goal was elusive, Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Dayne St. Clair, was equally resolute, pulling off a crucial save in the 65th minute to deny Nashville’s Reed Baker-Whiting from scoring with a header off a Cristian Espinoza cross.
Despite the rain that descended upon the stadium after a scoreless first half, both teams’ defences stood firm.
Inter Miami will now look to finish the job in the second leg at home next Wednesday, where Messi will hope to finally break the 900-goal barrier and take another step towards further enhancing his legendary career.
