Inter Miami & Nashville SC Renew Rivalry in Concacaf Champions Cup

Lionel Messi looks to continue his dominance over Nashville SC as the two sides meet in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:34pm

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Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC will renew their rivalry in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. Inter Miami have dominated Nashville since Lionel Messi's arrival in 2023, posting an 8-1-2 record across all competitions. Messi has been especially devastating, scoring 15 goals in 10 games against Nashville. However, Nashville have improved this year, signing Argentine winger Cristian Espinoza and returning star Designated Players Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar. Miami head coach Javier Mascherano expects a tough match, saying Nashville is "an opponent with a thirst for revenge."

Why it matters

This matchup between Inter Miami and Nashville SC is a highly anticipated one, as the two sides have developed a fierce rivalry since Lionel Messi joined Miami in 2023. Miami have had Nashville's number in recent years, but Nashville have made key offseason additions and are looking to get revenge against the team that has given them so much trouble. The outcome of this Concacaf Champions Cup tie could have major implications for both clubs' seasons.

The details

Inter Miami have dominated Nashville SC since Lionel Messi's arrival, posting an 8-1-2 record across all competitions. Messi has been a major factor in Miami's success, scoring 15 goals in 10 games against Nashville. However, Nashville have made some key offseason additions, including signing Argentine winger Cristian Espinoza and returning star Designated Players Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar. Nashville head coach B.J. Callaghan believes his team is much improved from the one Miami topped 4-0 last November, saying "We're a different team this year; they're a different team this year."

  • The first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 tie between Inter Miami and Nashville SC will be played on Wednesday, March 10, 2026.
  • Lionel Messi will be looking to score his 900th career goal in the match against Nashville.

The players

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine forward who joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has dominated Nashville SC, scoring 15 goals in 10 games against them.

Javier Mascherano

The head coach of Inter Miami who expects a tough match against Nashville, saying they are "an opponent with a thirst for revenge."

B.J. Callaghan

The head coach of Nashville SC who believes his team is much improved from last year and is ready to take on Inter Miami.

Cristian Espinoza

The Argentine winger who Nashville SC signed in the offseason to bolster their attack.

Sam Surridge

One of Nashville SC's star Designated Players who will look to lead the team's improved attack against Inter Miami.

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What they’re saying

“We have to be especially aware of that. We're going to face an opponent with a thirst for revenge, sporting revenge.”

— Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Head Coach

“Clearly, they're an opponent that's looking for revenge.”

— Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Head Coach

“You can learn lessons from history, but what I'd also say is history doesn't necessarily dictate what's gonna happen in the future.”

— B.J. Callaghan, Nashville SC Head Coach

“We're a different team this year; they're a different team this year. And so for us, we think we've been able to improve in certain areas with the group.”

— B.J. Callaghan, Nashville SC Head Coach

“To be able to reach 900 goals is something crazy, something incredible from a player like no other.”

— Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Inter Miami-Nashville SC tie will advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated matchup between two MLS rivals promises to be an intense and closely contested affair, as both teams have made significant improvements and are hungry for success in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Lionel Messi's pursuit of his 900th career goal adds an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.