Inter Miami CFLionel MessiCONCACAF Champions CupInter Miami CF vs Nashville SCNashville SC

Lionel Messi built on his 15th minute assist to Luis Suarez, netting a stupendous finish for the Herons just 15 minutes later.

Messi scores in CONCACAF Champions Cup
Goal came moments after assist
Miami and Nashville drew 2-2 in first leg

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter MiamiGetty Images

WHAT HAPPENED?

After a 2-2 draw in the first leg that saw Inter Miami seize an away goals advantage, the Herons came out firing on home turf in the second leg on Wednesday night. The Herons opened the scoring just eight minutes in, with Suarez providing the goal on a Messi assist.

Just 15 minutes later, though, Messi got one of his own, firing home a feed from Diego Gomez to make the score 2-0.

NEXT MATCHES

Major League Soccer
DC UNITEDDC United

INTER MIAMI CFInter Miami CF
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Major League Soccer
NASHVILLE SC

Nashville SC

CHARLOTTE FCCharlotte FC
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Lionel Messi Inter MiamiGetty

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The CONCACAF Champions League is Inter Miami’s first crack at a trophy this season, having won the club’s first-ever piece of silverware last season in the Leagues Cup. Perhaps more importantly, though, the tournament gives Miami a chance to qualify for the Club World Cup, where they can match up against some of the world’s best.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebratesGetty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Following Wednesday’s cup match, the Herons will be back in action this weekend as they return to MLS play. They’ll play host to D.C. United on Saturday as they look to bounce back from a frustrating defeat to CF Montreal.