As Inter Miami was forced to a 0-0 tie by Nashville on Wednesday (August 30), Lionel Messi was unable to maintain his remarkable winning start with the club.

Vice City’s victory over NSC in the League Cup final would not be repeated, nor would the visitors exact retribution on Messi’s Miami. However, it was a competitive match between two MLS teams that were looking for three points.

Both teams lacked much threat in the first half’s cagey play, but tempers did occasionally boil. However, Nashville came close to scoring early on when Dixon Arroyo’s careless play allowed the visitors to take advantage. In the eighth minute, Jack Maher could only shoot over from the ensuing corner after Alex Muyl’s shot was deflected out.

Nashville started the second half strong, and in the 46th minute, replacement Hany Mukhtar fiercely blasted over the bar. The German forward appeared to provide a problem for Inter Miami’s counterattack.

The A-listers were present at DRV PNK once more, including Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, and legends of baseball like Floyd Mayweather and Ken Griffey Jr. They were eagerly anticipating Lionel Messi to perform his customary magic.

Fafa Picault was given a clear path to the goal in the 56th minute, giving the visitors a fantastic chance to take the lead. However, Kamal Miller of the Herons produced an outstanding tackle to stop the forward.

A powerful drive from Facundo Farrias was solidly blocked by Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco in the 66th minute, igniting the game. Jacob Shaffelburg was, however, stopped by a critical save from Inter Miami goalie Drake Callender as the Boys in Gold launched a counterattack.

Nashville thought they had grabbed the lead in the 68th minute while they were still sobbing over their Leagues Cup misery. Before an offside flag was raised, the current MLS MVP Mukhtar slotted home and wheeled away in joy.

When DeAndre Yedlin’s arm was hit by Shaffelburg’s shot in the Miami box, there was late drama. VAR instructed referee Chris Penso to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

The Nashville frontman, though, was found to have been in an offside position throughout the incident. In the 96th minute, Lionel Messi had a chance, but Panicco stopped him.

As a result of the two Leagues Cup finalists’ 0-0 draw, Inter Miami remained in 14th place, level with last-place Toronto FC.

After a sloppy performance, a fan inquired about Lionel Messi’s whereabouts:

Man, Messi, where are we? I was so confident.

Another supporter noted that the legendary forward couldn’t always succeed:

“The GOAT cannot perform all tasks. These people need to develop the ability to play well even when he is not.