Lionel Messi is sensational as Inter Miami defeat Nashville SC behind Argentine's three goal contributions - but Diego Gomez's brutal injury makes victory bittersweet

It was a dominant performance from Miami - at least for the final 80 minutes. Things began on a similar, yet somber, note.

The Herons conceded just three minutes into the match, with the Miami defense collapsing on a corner kick. The ball eventually landed in the back of the net off Herons defender Franco Negri, a disastrous start.

Messi Messi saved the day once again, though, bringing them level in the 11th minute and then assisting before the halftime whistle. The Argentine played a brilliant corner kick to Sergio Busquets, who headed home for his first MLS goal.

The Argentine added to his tally on the day late, slotting home from the penalty spot in the 81st minute for his seventh goal of the MLS season.

It was a brilliant response from the South Beach club after a horrid start, but not for everyone. In the 41st minute, Miami lost Diego Gomez to injury, with the Paraguayan being stretchered off the pitch in tears.

This was Nashville's fifth time in all competitions facing the Argentine since his arrival in the summer of 2023. In each of the five matches, they have yet to win, with Saturday being their latest failed attempt.

Lionel Messi:

The Argentine was absolute magic once again. It feels like every single time he starts for the Herons, he ends up doing something spectacular. This time, it was two goal contributions in the first half.

He opened the scoring for the South Beach club 11 minutes into the match and followed it up with a brilliant corner kick assist to Busquets in the 39th minute.

Messi added the cherry on top late, slotting home from the penalty spot for his seventh of the season in the 81st minute.

Diego Gomez:

The Paraguayan sensation, who was coming off his best game in a Heron's kit in 2024, was stretchered off the pitch in the first half in tears. The 21-year-old - who is expected to lead Paraguay in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games - collided with Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panico and was removed from the match as a result.

Against Sporting KC last weekend, he netted a goal and an assist en route to a brilliant 3-2 road victory. Now, his status is unknown, and there could be bigger things at stake than a timely return for Miami - Paraguay fans will now be on their toes until news surrounding his injury surfaces.

Miami will take on the New England Revolution next Saturday in a clash between the two ends of the Eastern Conference table. The Revs, who occupy last in the East, will look to pull off a shocking upset over the Herons.