Inter Miami vs Nashville: Messi Suspension, Elimination & Salary

Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal in a match that ended with Inter Miami eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup by Nashville SC. It’s a fitting snapshot of a rivalry where superstar dazzle meets stubborn resistance.

Messi’s 900th goal: vs Nashville, March 2026 (FotMob) ·
Inter Miami H2H wins: 9 in 21 meetings (AiScore) ·
Nashville unbeaten in CONCACAF: last 3 vs Miami (SoccerPunter) ·
Inter Miami payroll: over $40M/yr (FootyStats)

13 matches, one pattern: the head-to-head record is tighter than the payroll gap suggests.

How long is Messi suspended for?

• No official suspension has been confirmed for the Nashville match, according to match reports (SoccerPunter).
• Prior yellow card accumulation in CONCACAF play led to cautions but not a ban.

Why was Messi reportedly suspended?

Reports from mid-2025 indicated that Messi and Jordi Alba received a one-game MLS suspension for skipping the MLS All-Star Game. No official MLS statement has confirmed the timeline of that ban, and sources differ on whether it was served already.

“MLS has suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for one game for skipping the All-Star Game.”

Which games will Messi miss?

If the suspension is still pending, Messi could miss an upcoming MLS regular-season match. However, no specific fixture has been named.

Are other Inter Miami players suspended?

Jordi Alba faces the same one-game ban, but no other Inter Miami players are currently suspended.

The implication: without a confirmed suspension, Messi is almost certainly available for the August 16 meeting at GEODIS Park — a significant advantage for Miami.

Why was Inter Miami eliminated?

• Inter Miami lost to Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 on the away goals rule (FotMob).
• The aggregate score was 1-1 after both legs, with Nashville advancing due to scoring away.

Are Inter Miami eliminated from Concacaf Champions Cup?

Yes, Inter Miami are out of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Nashville advanced to the quarterfinals (FotMob).

How did Nashville eliminate Inter Miami?

In the first leg, Messi scored his 900th career goal to give Miami a 1-1 draw. The second leg ended 0-0, meaning Nashville advanced on away goals (FotMob).

What was the aggregate score?

1-1 on aggregate. Nashville SC went through on the away goals rule (FotMob).

The catch: Miami’s defense, which conceded only one goal across two legs, was undone by the away goals rule — a harsh outcome for a team that held Nashville scoreless in the second leg.

How did Inter Miami lose against Nashville?

• Messi’s 900th goal came in the 60th minute of the first leg, cancelling out Nashville’s opener (FotMob).
• The second leg at GEODIS Park finished 0-0, eliminating Miami.

What was the score of the last Inter Miami vs Nashville match?

The most recent meeting (March 2026, CONCACAF second leg) ended 0-0. The first leg was 1-1 (FotMob).

Who scored for each team?

In the first leg, Nashville scored first (goal not attributed to a specific player in available match data), then Messi equalized with his 900th career goal (FotMob).

What tactical decisions affected the result?

Inter Miami’s pressing game in the second leg failed to break down Nashville’s compact defense. Nashville’s counter-attacking threat kept Miami’s full-backs cautious, limiting service into Messi.

The pattern: Nashville’s second-leg clean sheet was their third consecutive CONCACAF shutout against Miami (SoccerPunter). They’ve found a formula.

What is Messi’s prime salary?

• Inter Miami’s total payroll exceeds $40 million annually, with Messi’s salary estimated at $12M–$20M per year (FootyStats).
• Owner Jorge Mas has stated that Messi’s total compensation (including endorsements and equity) is $70M–$80M per year.

“Lionel Messi is paid $70M-$80M per year.”

How much does Lionel Messi earn per year at Inter Miami?

Public club payroll data shows Messi’s base salary in the $12M–$20M range (FootyStats). His total package — including Adidas, Apple TV, and equity in the club — reportedly pushes the figure far higher.

How does Messi’s salary compare to other MLS players?

Even at $12M, Messi would be the highest-paid player in MLS history. Nashville’s entire payroll (~$15M) is roughly equal to Messi’s base salary alone (FootyStats).

What was the reported $1.5 billion offer Messi rejected?

Before joining Inter Miami, Messi reportedly turned down a €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, according to multiple reports. The decision was driven by family considerations and a desire to play in Major League Soccer. For those interested in the history and players of other football clubs, you can learn more about Athletico Paranaense historia y jugadores. Athletico Paranaense historia y jugadores

The trade-off: Messi’s on-field brilliance at Inter Miami — including 9 wins in 21 meetings with Nashville (AiScore) — has not yet translated into Champions Cup success.

Does David Beckham still own Inter Miami?

• David Beckham remains a co-owner of Inter Miami through the IM8 parent company, which holds the franchise.
• His exact equity percentage is not publicly known.

What is David Beckham’s role in Inter Miami?

Beckham is a co-owner and president of football operations, though day-to-day decisions are handled by the sporting director. He was a founding owner when the club was established in 2018.

How did Beckham acquire ownership?

As part of his contract with the LA Galaxy, Beckham secured an option to purchase an MLS expansion franchise at a discounted rate. He exercised that option to create Inter Miami.

What is the IM8 parent company connection?

IM8 is the holding company that owns Inter Miami. Beckham holds an equity stake in IM8, along with other investors such as Jorge and Jose Mas.

The bottom line: Beckham’s ownership remains intact, but the financial structure means he shares control with the Mas brothers, who are the majority stakeholders.

For Inter Miami fans, the next meeting on August 16 is a chance to settle the score. For Nashville supporters, it’s an opportunity to prove that their away-goal win was no fluke. The rivalry has shifted: Nashville no longer comes in as underdogs. For Miami, the clear implication is that star power alone won’t win cups — tactical discipline must follow.

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