Striker Lionel Messi missed another penalty and was shown a yellow card as Inter Miami lost 1-4 to Nashville in a match between the top two sides in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday.
Englishman Sam Surridge and German Hany Mukhtar scored in the second half for the home side Nashville in the clash of the league's leading teams.
Miami captain and Argentina international Messi had a first-half penalty saved and was booked in the 59th minute, but he also provided the assist for Miami's only goal, scored by Telasco Segovia.
Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner, also hit both posts during second-half stoppage time.
Nashville lead MLS with 43 points from 13 wins, four draws and two losses, while Inter Miami are second with 38 points.
Nashville had previously knocked Miami out of this year's CONCACAF Champions Cup in the round of 16.
Reigning MLS champions Miami, who boast the league's best away record with eight wins, one draw and one loss, saw their seven-game unbeaten run in MLS end as Nashville continued their unbeaten home record in the league.
Honduran defender Andy Najar headed home in the 17th minute to give Nashville a 1-0 lead.
Miami had a chance to equalize from Messi's penalty in the 23rd minute, but Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved his weak effort.
Messi's recent penalty record is below his very high standards, including two misses at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The visitors equalized three minutes into first-half stoppage time when Venezuelan midfielder Segovia fired a right-footed shot from outside the box after a pass from Messi.
Mukhtar, the 2022 MLS MVP, restored Nashville's lead in the 49th minute.
Surridge made it 3-1, and Mukhtar added his second in the 63rd minute to give the hosts a comfortable cushion.
