Is this Messi’s weak point? Third consecutive penalty miss

Lionel Messi’s return to the Inter Miami starting lineup turned into a nightmare as the Argentine icon missed his third consecutive penalty in a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC. The Herons were systematically dismantled at Geodis Park, failing to reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference on a night where nothing went right for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.Messi endured a frustrating evening in Tennessee as Inter Miami suffered a heavy defeat against Nashville SC. The Argentine had a chance to change the course of the match in the 23rd minute when Miami were already behind, but his attempt from the penalty spot was kept out by goalkeeper Brian Schwake.🚨 Messi misses yet ANOTHER penalty!It's his 3rd penalty miss in a row. 🇦🇷❌️pic.twitter.com/7EBhdpUyzP— 𝐓𝐌 𝐅Ú𝐓𝐁𝐎𝐋 (@TMfutbal) August 16, 2026 The miss extended an unwanted run for the 39-year-old. According to ESPN, it was the first time since 2014 that Messi had failed to convert three successive penalties, with the latest sequence beginning during the summer World Cup after unsuccessful attempts against Austria and Egypt.Miami briefly restored hope before half-time when Telasco Segovia found the equaliser, but Nashville completely took over after the break. Hany Mukhtar proved decisive with two goals, while Sam Surridge produced a clever back-heeled finish to further expose the visitors' defensive problems.Messi's frustration boiled over during the second half as he was booked for protesting during the build-up to Nashville's third goal. The night then went from bad to worse for Miami in stoppage time when goalkeepe Rios Novo made a costly mistake outside his penalty area. After slipping, he allowed a long ball from Schwake to find Mukhtar, who calmly finished into an unguarded net.##EDITORS_CHOICE##The match was particularly significant for Messi as it marked his first start since the death of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi. The veteran forward has openly spoken about the emotional impact of the loss and recently admitted uncertainty over how he can continue his career without his father's presence and guidance.Even when Messi managed to find openings, fortune refused to favour him. During a chaotic second-half sequence, one of his efforts struck both posts without crossing the goal line, while another attempt was subsequently disallowed for offside.It was ultimately a night to forget for both Messi and Inter Miami, who missed another opportunity to return to the summit of the Eastern Conference.##NAJAVA_MECA_9894249##