NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville SC delivered one of its strongest performances of the season Saturday night, defeating Inter Miami 4-1 at GEODIS Park in a matchup with first place in the MLS standings on the line.
The victory moved Nashville five points ahead of Miami with 15 regular-season matches remaining and strengthened the club’s position in the Supporters’ Shield race.
After rotating his lineup during three Leagues Cup matches earlier in the month, Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan returned to a full-strength starting XI against Miami.
Hany Mukhtar scored twice for his first multi-goal performance since recording a hat trick against LAFC in May. Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza also scored, while Elias Saad recorded two assists.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi returned to the starting lineup but was held off the scoresheet.
Messi had a chance to give Miami the lead in the 23rd minute but missed from the penalty spot. Nashville limited his opportunities the rest of the way and remained in control as the match progressed.
The victory gave Nashville three points against one of the league’s top clubs and further solidified the Boys in Gold’s position atop the MLS table.
