Messi, Suarez strike as Inter Miami book quarter-final berth against Nashville

Inter Miami have booked their spot in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, after a 3-1 second-leg victory over Nashville gave them a 5-3 aggregate win.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Robert Taylor, were on the scoresheet for Miami at a raucous DRV PNK Stadium. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, there were no such jitters this time around as Suarez and Messi struck inside the opening 20 minutes.

The Argentina superstar did spark injury concerns, however, when he was withdrawn on 50 minutes. Taylor replaced him and added a third goal late on, though a Sam Surridge strike proved merely a consolation for Nashville.

David Beckham’s franchise march on to face an as-yet-unknown opponent in the last eight of the CONCACAF showpiece competition. All eyes will be on Messi’s fitness ahead of the international break, however.

The 35-year-old seemed to indicate the substitution was precautionary. Nevertheless, the sight of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner limping off will be a worry for club and country.

Paul

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