FORT LAUDERDALE – Nashville SC eliminated Inter Miami 1-1 on the away goals rule, advancing them into the Quarterfinals, facing the winner of America vs Philadelphia Union

The first half showcased quality from both sides, with Nashville proving organized and dangerous on the counter, and Inter Miami controlling much of the pitch and tempo. 

All eyes, however, were on Lionel Messi. Messi etched his name even deeper into football history by scoring his 900th career goal in the first minutes of the game. Receiving the ball just outside the box, he created a pocket of space with a quick shift of movement before calmly slotting his shot into the corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

The goal not only gave Inter Miami the lead but also energized the home crowd, who rose in celebration as Messi became the second man ever to score 900 goals in a career, following Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently has 964 goals.

Nashville was able to stay in the game in the second half. Inter Miami Goalkeeper Dayne St.Clair was stunned in the back of the net, punching away a shot that landed into the feet of Nashville Right Winger Cristian Espinoza, who took a shot and scored, leveling the game 1-1

Regulation time ended with both teams tied 1-1

Nashville SC won the match with the away goal rule, in which a CONCACAF match remains in a tie, the team with the most away goals wins the game, eliminating Inter Miami.

Nashville SC will face the winner of America vs. Philadelphia Union

STORY BY JULY SANCHEZ PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN PROSCIA