He said goodbye to Messi and returned to Barcelona.

In a dramatic match at the Exploria Stadium in Sunrise, Florida, Lionel Messi once again failed to convert a crucial penalty kick, marking his third consecutive miss from the spot in just over two weeks. The Argentina international, playing for Inter Miami, saw his team fall to Nashville SC with a scoreline of 4-1. This latest setback adds to a growing list of missed opportunities for the Barcelona legend, who has struggled to find form in front of goal during recent matches. The sequence began in the first half, where Messi was presented with a penalty opportunity following a defensive error by Nashville’s backline. Despite his usual composure, the 39-year-old's attempt was weak and easily saved by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwacke. The ball bounced off the crossbar and into the arms of the keeper, denying Inter Miami a chance to equalize. Although Messi later attempted a shot from distance in the first-half stoppage time, it was unsuccessful, and the goal was disallowed due to a handball by teammate Telesco Segovia. Inter Miami started the second half with a lead of 1-0, thanks to a goal from Rodrián Pacheco. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Nashville responded with two goals within the opening ten minutes. First, Hakim Mukhtar scored from close range after a well-worked move, followed by Sam Surridge’s strike, which extended Nashville’s advantage to 3-1. The collapse of Inter Miami’s defense allowed Mukhtar to capitalize again, scoring his second goal of the game and sealing Nashville’s victory. The final whistle marked a bitter defeat for Inter Miami, who had entered the match with high hopes of maintaining their position at the top of the MLS table. Nashville’s win not only strengthened their standing in the league but also widened the gap between them and their rivals. With the result, Nashville now leads Inter Miami by five points in the standings. The performance highlighted several issues for Inter Miami, particularly in their defensive organization and set-piece execution. While Messi remained a focal point for his team, he was unable to deliver under pressure, and his lack of clinical finishing became evident. The club’s failure to secure a win against a rival from the same state, Tennessee, underscored the challenges they face in maintaining consistency. Nashville’s triumph came at a critical moment in the season, as they look to solidify their position in the race for the playoffs. Their victory over Inter Miami, a local derby, added another layer of significance to the result. For Inter Miami, the loss raises questions about their ability to compete consistently at the highest level, especially with key players struggling to find their rhythm. With the MLS schedule continuing to unfold, both teams will have opportunities to address these setbacks. Inter Miami will need to regroup quickly, while Nashville aims to build on this momentum. As the league moves forward, the focus will remain on how each side adapts to the pressures of competition and whether they can overcome the hurdles that have plagued them thus far.