Although Nashville shut out Inter Miami in Wednesday’s MLS encounter, the teams split the points in a scoreless draw, maintaining Inter Miami’s perfect record since Lionel Messi’s arrival.

This is the first game Messi has appeared in where Inter Miami has failed to score.

The No. 10 didn’t give up without trying; he attempted seven shots and had a final right-footed attempt saved by Nashville goalie Elliot Panicco.

But Nashville stuck with it throughout the entire 90 minutes, and it richly deserved the victory it received.

As usual, Messi drew some A-list spectators to the DRV PNK Stadium throng.

In addition to Gianni Infantino, who is the president of FIFA, other notable figures in South Florida included boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.

Griffey actually seemed to be working. The iconic Seattle Mariners fan was operating a camera while sporting a neon vest on the field on Wednesday night, suggesting that he was a working photographer.

The former centerfielder missed a hallmark Messi moment, but it was still a fun rematch of the League Cup Final, which Miami won on penalties 11 days earlier over Nashville. Nashville, which was playing without USA defender Walker Zimmerman and forward Sam Surridge, spent the majority of the first half attempting to annoy Messi and company. The visitors didn’t really have a shot at scoring until Hany Mukhtar came on at halftime, but Kamal Miller’s key interception kept the ball from the German’s feet.

Jacob Shaffelburg was afterward introduced by Mukhtar, but his effort was blocked by Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender because the winger was too close to the goal. Despite having a 70% to 30% advantage in possession, the home team was not very close to scoring. Even though Messi and his colleagues were able to gain some good positions in the Nashville box and attempt two close free kicks, the final result fell short.

A point against a respectable Nashville club is nothing to be ashamed of, but due to the squad’s appalling performance prior to the signings of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, each MLS game is virtually a must-win. Despite the squad winning the Leagues Cup, it is only ranked 14th out of 15 teams in the East and is still 10 points below the final playoff berth with two games remaining.

The Herons have a challenging journey ahead of them.