Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images

Are Inter Miami Eliminated From Concacaf Champions Cup After Nashville Draw?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 9:38 PM ET

Inter Miami was eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup after drawing 1-1 with Nashville in the second leg of the Round of 16, a result that favored the Tennessee side on the away goals rule.

The match began with intensity and, very early on, Lionel Messi made his presence felt. In the seventh minute, the Argentine received the ball inside the area and finished with his left foot to open the scoring, also marking a historic moment as he reached 900 career goals. With Inter Miami holding a narrow lead, both teams headed into halftime.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF dribbles the ball against Jeisson Palacios #4 of Nashville SC during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on March 18, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images

In the second half, Nashville looked to respond and create danger. In the 56th minute, Germán Berterame had a clear opportunity with a header inside the area, but the opposing goalkeeper responded effectively to deny the equalizer.

Later, in the 66th minute, Nashville squandered an unbeatable chance when Hany Mukhtar went alone against the goalkeeper but ended up skying his shot.

The visiting side's persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Cristian Espinoza capitalized on a rebound inside the six-yard box and finished with his right foot to level the match.

With the aggregate score tied, the away goal proved decisive as Nashville secured its passage to the quarterfinals.

Nashville now awaits its opponent, which will emerge from the matchup between América and the Philadelphia Union.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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