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Lionel Messi’s return to the Inter Miami starting XI turned into a nightmare as the Argentina legend missed his third penalty in a row in a heavy 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC. The Herons were thoroughly outplayed at Geodis Park and failed to reclaim top spot in the Eastern Conference on a night when nothing came off for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Messi's penalty troubles continue

The magic seemed to desert Messi for the time being as he endured a night to forget in Tennessee. With Inter Miami trailing 1-0 in the 23rd minute, the veteran had a huge chance to bring his side level from the spot. But his low strike was smartly saved by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake.

The numbers underline the extent of the Argentine’s current struggles from 12 yards. According to ESPN, this latest miss is the first time since 2014 that Messi has failed to convert three penalties in succession. The unwanted run began during this summer’s World Cup campaign, when he missed against Austria and Egypt.

Nashville dominate at Geodis Park

Although Telasco Segovia equalised just before half-time, Nashville SC took full command of the match after the break. Hany Mukhtar showed his class with a clinical brace, while Sam Surridge made it three with a neat back-heeled finish. Miami’s defence fell apart under pressure, and the frustration was clear when Messi was booked for protesting during the build-up to Nashville’s third goal.

The final blow arrived in stoppage time after a comical mistake from Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. The keeper slipped while far outside his area, allowing a route-one ball from Schwake to find Mukhtar, who simply walked it into an empty net.

Personal tragedy hanging over Messi

This game marked Messi’s first start since the tragic death of his father and long-time representative, Jorge Messi. The 39-year-old has been carrying a huge emotional burden and recently admitted he is unsure how to continue in the sport without his father’s guidance.

Messi’s difficult evening was made worse by plain bad luck late in the game. In one frantic second-half move, the forward saw his effort hit both posts without going in, before another strike was disallowed for offside.

Hoyos strikes a defiant note amid emotional strain

Speaking after the defeat, Inter Miami boss Guillermo Hoyos refused to panic, insisting the heavy loss would only drive his team’s development forward.

"A defeat like this won't stop us; we keep growing," he said. "We'll rest today and start working toward our goals again tomorrow. You don't lose your objectives just because of one defeat; quite the opposite, we are going to aim higher, keep growing, and continue the development of the squad.

"I am grateful for everything the players did. People might point out the 4-1 loss, but the team endured a huge emotional toll; you have to be out there on the pitch to understand it. So, beyond the unfavorable result, there were very valuable things on display, and that is what really matters to me."

Hoyos’ side now face a quick turnaround as the head coach gets his squad ready for a tough trip to take on the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday. The Herons will be desperate for a win to rebuild momentum and cut the gap to Nashville in the Eastern Conference standings. However, with doubts lingering over Messi’s longevity and the team’s defensive weakness, the road back looks a steep one.