Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC: How to Watch and What’s at Stake
After splitting their Eastern Conference Round One Best-of-3 series, Inter Miami CF will host Nashville SC for a decisive Game 3 on Saturday in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. A spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals is on the line.
Series Recap
- Game 1: Inter Miami secured a 3-1 home win.
- Game 2: Nashville responded with a 2-1 victory at home.
- Game 3: The series returns to Miami, where the winner will advance to face either FC Cincinnati or Columbus Crew in November.
Match Format
If the third match ends tied after 90 minutes, there will be no extra time. The winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Inter Miami’s Playoff Challenge
Miami faces familiar pressure. In 2024, after a remarkable regular season, they were eliminated in Game 3 by Atlanta United. The Herons had won the opener but lost the next two matches, ending their postseason early.
Key Player: Lionel Messi
Miami’s playoff hopes hinge heavily on their captain. Lionel Messi has scored 40 goals in 45 matches this year across all competitions, with three of those goals coming in this series alone.
Nashville’s Breakthrough
Nashville SC ended a long drought by defeating Miami in Game 2. It marked their first victory over the Herons in the Messi era, after previously going winless in nine meetings with a record of 0 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws. One of those defeats was in the 2023 Leagues Cup final.
"They’ll likely need another Lionel Messi masterclass performance," noted analysts before the decisive clash.
Summary
The Game 3 showdown between Inter Miami and Nashville SC will settle their Round One duel, with high tension, strong narratives, and Messi once again at center stage.
Author’s summary: The final Miami-Nashville clash in the 2025 MLS Cup Round One decides who advances, spotlighting Messi’s critical role and Nashville’s fresh confidence.