Inter Miami begin playoff campaign by breezing past Nashville | OneFootball

Inter Miami kicked off their playoff campaign on Friday with a comfortable 3-0 win over Nashville. 

Scorers: Messi 19', 90+6', Allende 62'

About a week after meeting on Decision Day, it was the pink and yellow facing off once again. 

And one Lionel Messi was back up for the challenge against Nashville SC, but waited until after showing off his Golden Boot award to pull off his exquisite skills. 

It was the Inter Miami captain who opened the scoring, linking up with Luis Suarez and scoring a rare diving header beyond goalkeeper Joe Willis.

The hosts continued to dominate the first half of game one in the best-of-three series, hoping to sniff out a second goal.

Nashville, meanwhile, had the talents of Jacob Shaffelburg trying to draw them level, but the Canadian failed to find his final touch. 

A one-goal game going into the second half, things remained nervy. They eventually turned tense. Both teams clashed on the pitch near the hour mark, ultimately seeing Miami earn the last laugh. 

Ian Fray lifted up an inch-perfect cross from the right side of the box, and a flat-footed visiting defence allowed Tadeo Allende to head home from only a few yards out. 

Evident from just one shot on target, Nashville never found the manpower to get back into the game. Questions will likely be asked of Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar in Game 2 to keep their playoff hopes alive.

A late goal then ensured all three points were Miami's, following a slip-up at the back and Messi pounced to earn his brace

Geodis Park will host the next match on November 1.

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