"Mascherano has to go", "This team is just Messi and nothing else" - Social media reacts as Inter Miami lose to Nashville in MLS Playoff clash

Fans online have reacted to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami losing 2-1 against Nashville SC in the MLS playoff clash on Saturday, November 1. The tie is now level at 1-1, with the Herons having won the reverse fixture 3-1 on October 24.

Nashville hosted Javier Mascherano's side at Geodis Park in the second game of their playoff clash on Saturday. Sam Surridge opened the scoring for them in the ninth minute via a penalty. Josh Bauer then doubled their lead in the 45th minute. Lionel Messi scored in the 90th minute, but his side couldn't find the equalizer.

Inter Miami had 61% possession, but both sides had 10 attempts on goal. Nashville had five shots on target, as compared to the visitors' four. This comes after the Herons had beaten Nashville in the last two games. They won 5-2 at Geodis Park in the regular MLS clash before winning 3-1 at home in the first playoff clash.

Fans online were displeased with Inter Miami's performance, as one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote:

"Mascherano has to go, there is no game plan."

Another wrote:

"This team is just messi and nothing else"

Here are some other reactions:

The third playoff game between the two sides will take place at Chase Stadium on November 8.

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Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano claims they didn't find Lionel Messi enough in Nashville defeat

After the defeat against Nashville on Saturday, Javier Mascherano said that his side could've gotten a better result had they been sharper in front of goal. He added that they didn't find Lionel Messi in good positions enough.

Mascherano said (h/t Athlon Sports):

“We did not find Leo (Messi) in good situations in the first half, we have not been sharp in the final third, and there is also merit from the opponent. I believe that in the second half, beyond the fact that they fell back, we found some situations.” “We have had situations, the match was very even. In fact, the penalty play comes from when we are pressing. After the 1-0, we had situations to be able to tie the match, but we were not sharp in front of the goal,” he added.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been in exceptional form for Inter Miami this season, recording 39 goals and 19 assists in 44 games. He also won the MLS Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals in 28 league games, along with providing 16 assists.

Edited by Aditya Singh