Inter Miami & Nashville SC renew rivalry in Concacaf Champions Cup Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC are set to clash again in the Concacaf Champions Cup, continuing a historic rivalry that has defined much of the MLS side’s success since Lionel Messi’s arrival in 2023. The matchup, which kicks off on Wednesday at GEODIS Park, marks the first leg of a Round-of-16 series that could determine whether Miami continues its dominance over the Music City club or if Nashville’s recent improvements can shift the balance. Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, acknowledged Nashville’s motivation, calling them an “opponent that’s looking for revenge.” The Herons have consistently outperformed Nashville in key moments, including a 4-0 victory in November 2025 that secured Miami’s place in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Their success against the club has been particularly notable during Messi’s tenure, with the Argentine forward scoring 15 goals in 10 matches against Nashville across all competitions. A goal on Wednesday would bring Messi’s career tally to 900, a milestone Mascherano described as “something crazy” and “incredible.” Nashville, however, has made significant strides since their 2025 loss to Miami. Under head coach B.J. Callaghan, the club has maintained an undefeated record in their first five games of 2026, showcasing improved cohesion and attacking flair. The team’s acquisition of Cristian Espinoza, a free-agent signing from the San Jose Earthquakes, has bolstered their offensive options. Alongside Designated Players Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, Espinoza’s addition has created dangerous attacking combinations that led Nashville to the 2025 US Open Cup title.#concacaf_champions_cup #javier_mascherano #nashville_sc #inter_miami_cf #b_j_callaghan
