Messi misses third straight penalty as Inter Miami falters

The Cliff News | 16 August 2026

Lionel Messi endured a frustrating outing as his Inter Miami side succumbed to a decisive 4-1 defeat against league leaders Nashville SC on Saturday. The star forward missed his third penalty kick in a row, a rare blemish on his illustrious career, as his team’s losing streak extended to three matches.

The crucial moment came in the 23rd minute when Messi had a chance to level the score at 1-1. However, his penalty effort was parried away by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake, diving low to his right. While teammate Sergio Reguilón managed to put in the rebound, the goal was subsequently disallowed following a video review due to encroachment.

Messi's Penalty Drought

This marked the first time since 2014 that Messi has failed to convert three consecutive spot-kicks, according to ESPN Research. His recent struggles from the penalty spot also include misses during this summer's World Cup for Argentina, notably against Austria in the group stage and against Egypt in the round of 16.

For Inter Miami in MLS, this was Messi's first penalty miss since September 13, 2025. The recurring issue from the penalty spot is a statistically significant dip for a player renowned for his precision and composure under pressure.

Nashville Dominates Inter Miami

Nashville SC asserted their dominance throughout the match, securing a comprehensive 4-1 victory. The loss further compounds Inter Miami's recent poor form, highlighting challenges beyond the penalty-taking struggles of their talismanic captain.

The team's inability to secure points in their last three fixtures raises concerns about their current trajectory in the league standings. The performance against the first-place Nashville SC served as a stark reminder of the competitive landscape in Major League Soccer.