Messi Misses Third Consecutive Penalty as Inter Miami Crumbles 1-4
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago1 MIN
Summary
Lionel Messi's struggles continued as the Argentine superstar missed another penalty in Inter Miami's 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC on Saturday. Messi's father, Jorge, passed away the previous Saturday, and the 39-year-old returned from mourning in Argentina only to see his form severely affected. Despite setting up one goal, Messi fired 11 shots without scoring and lost possession 16 times in the comprehensive loss.
Key Points
- Messi missed a penalty using the 'stutter-step' technique in the 23rd minute, with the goalkeeper making an easy save .
- The penalty came just six minutes after Nashville had taken an early lead in the 17th minute .
- Messi atoned partially by assisting Telasco Segovia's equaliser before halftime, but Miami collapsed after the break .
- This marked Messi's third consecutive missed penalty, following failures at the World Cup against Austria and Egypt .
- Miami has now lost all three of their matches since the Leagues Cup elimination, extending their winless streak .
Why It Matters
Messi's missed penalties and overall struggles highlight the impact of personal grief on athletic performance at the highest level. For Inter Miami, this defeat raises concerns about their ability to compete consistently in MLS without their star player's usual production, especially as the season progresses toward the playoffs.
Messi's missed penalties and overall struggles highlight the impact of personal grief on athletic performance at the highest level. For Inter Miami, this defeat raises concerns about their ability to compete consistently in MLS without their star player's usual production, especially as the season progresses toward the playoffs.