Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are ageless wonders! Inter Miami star duo combine for four goal contributions in CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 victory over Nashville SC

The Herons came out of the gates at Chase Stadium firing and confident in front of their home crowd. Just 13 minutes into the game, their star duo of Messi and Suarez combined to open the scoring, with the Uruguayan netting in clinical fashion. Just 15 minutes later, the Argentine found himself on the scoresheet as well.

Heading out after halftime break with a two-goal advantage, Messi was subbed off with an injury just four minutes into the second half. However, Suarez wasn't finished yet.

The 37-year-old provided a brilliant assist for Finnish winger Robert Taylor in the 64th minute, delivering the ball on a platter to his forehead to make it 3-0. Nashville did earn a consolation goal late in stoppage-time when forward Sam Surridge found the back of the net but it was too little too late for the away side.

This was the first time Inter Miami have fielded an XI with Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo all on the pitch at the same time. With all five of their superstars available from the start, they seized an early advantage and held onto it until close.

Lionel Messi: A true win-or-go-home performance from the Herons' talisman, Messi put the team on his shoulders while he was on the field. With an assist and a goal of his own in the first half, he showed up after missing Sunday's match to CF Montreal, a 3-2 loss for Inter Miami.

He may have only played 49 minutes in the match, but it was enough to influence the result and hand Miami a terrific advantage to ride through the remainder of the contest after his departure.

Nashville SC: There's something brewing between these two clubs. Whether it's a rivalry or not is debatable, but Nashville just cannot get past Lionel Messi and co.

First, it was the Leagues Cup final in 2023, where Messi and co. bested them in a penalty shootout. Then, it was a league match just 11 days later that ended in a 0-0 draw; a game they probably should have won.

Now, in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, they drew 2-2 with the Herons in the first leg and fell 3-1 in the return meeting Wednesday. In four fixtures since the Argentine's arrival at South Beach, they have not found a single victory against Inter Miami.

The Herons take on D.C. United on March 16 as they look to bounce back from a disappointing performance against CF Montreal in MLS. Then, a chunk of their roster will depart Miami for the international break, with USMNT goalkeeper Drake Callender being the only confirmed player to be leaving. However, it's expected more will be announced this week - including Lionel Messi and Argentina.

In the Champions Cup, meanwhile, their next opponent has yet to be revealed. It has been narrowed down, though, with Miami taking on the winner of FC Cincinnati vs CF Monterrey, who play the second leg of their tie on Thursday evening.