The two legends stepped up to complete a two-goal comeback that gave the Herons a huge advantage heading into leg two of their Cup tie.

You just can’t fall asleep against this team, can you? Just when you think it’s over, just when you think they’re dead, Inter Miami somehow find a way. They’re talented enough to do that, you know. When you have Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in your team, games can change in just a second or two.

Several teams felt that last year. The LA Galaxy experienced it early on in this MLS season. This time around, Nashville SC found themselves on the end of a ridiculous Inter Miami comeback, one spearheaded by the two Barcelona icons.

For most of Thursday night’s CONCACAF Champions Cup clash, it felt like Inter Miami were on the ropes. Nashville were up 2-0 moments into the second half and were seemingly cruising. The Herons, though, were down but not out. They’re never out of it, really.

Messi scored first, firing home a Suarez assist in the 52nd minute. And then, five minutes into stoppage time, it was the Uruguayan’s turn as he headed home a ridiculous Sergio Busquets cross.

Those two goals earned Miami a 2-2 draw that felt a whole lot like a 2-2 win. Away goals matter in this competition, and Miami leaving Tennessee with two in their back pocket will have them feeling good ahead of next week’s second leg.

It’s Nashville that is now on the brink. How quickly things can change when Messi and Suarez are at their best.

GOAL rates Inter Miami’s players from Geodis Park..

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Goalkeeper & Defense

Drake Callender (6/10):

Not much he could have done on either goal. Both were rockets… that happens sometimes.

Noah Allen (7/10):

Was active and involved. A good shift from the young defender who filled in for Jordi Alba

Tomas Aviles (5/10):

Was a bit slow to recognize the danger on the first goal, which cost Miami big time.

Nicolas Freire (6/10):

The best of the three centerbacks, but that’s not saying much. Had a few good moments, including one massive block, but was very, very lucky to get bailed out by a close offside call late.

Serhiy Kryvtsov (5/10):

Struggled at moments, for sure. Hasn’t really been good enough so far this season.

Julian Gressel (6/10):

Moved back into a wingback role, Gressel had one good chance and would have had an assist if not for a close offside call. Had some issues defensively, but you can see how he fits in with this team in this spot.

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Midfield

Sergio Busquets (8/10):

Got exactly what you’d expect from him. Dictated the game with ridiculous passing while making a few key contributions defensively. The late assist was just a cherry on top, but a very important cherry, to be fair.

Diego Gomez (6/10):

Nearly got a goal, only to have it called back for a close offside call. Outside of that, he was surely involved but not super dangerous.

Federico Redondo (6/10):

His debut was almost short-lived as he could have been sent off early on for a hands-to-the-face offense. A good introduction, though, as he showed the energy and smoothness that he’ll bring to this rebuilt Miami midfield.

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Attack

Luis Suarez (8/10):

Got the assist on Messi’s goal and scored the late winner to cap the comeback. A good example of how little it takes for Suarez to strike.

Lionel Messi (8/10):

No stopping him, is there? A fantastic finish to get a crucial away goal. Messi is always there when Miami needs a moment, and he provided another on Thursday to set up a fun second leg.

Subs & Manager

David Ruiz (6/10):

Came on late, but didn’t get enough touches to really change anything.

Lawson Sunderland(N/A):

Thrown into the fray during stoppage time. Got on the ball a few times, but it was too late to make a real difference.

Tata Martino (5/10):

Lineup choice was fine, but where were the subs? When you have a team as old as Miami, it might be a good idea to throw fresh legs in there at some point. Fortunately for him, Suarez got the job done, but it was still a big, big risk.