NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored a late goal but sixth-seeded Nashville beat No. 3 seed Inter Miami 2-1 in Game 2 of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs on Saturday night.

The teams will meet in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 8 for a decisive Game 3.

It was Nashville’s first playoff win since the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs, when it defeated Orlando 2-1 at home in first round. Saturday’s victory was also Nashville’s first over Miami since May 17, 2023, in a 2-1 result.

“That was a team that was committed to playing in an aggressive and intense way and was able to do it for a long period of time tonight,” Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan said. “That was a challenge that we put on ourselves and tonight was a good example of that.”

Sam Surridge opened the scoring in the ninth minute, find

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