Inter Miami superstar failed to score in his first Major League Soccer (MLS) at home, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Nashville SC.
The result however extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games.
Messi did not contribute with a goal or an assist for the first time in his Inter Miami era.
But he led all players with seven shots and had a golden chance to win the game with just seconds left, but Nashville keeper Elliot Panicco stood tall to deny Messi’s shot taken with his weaker right foot.
The Argentina star had played nine games for Miami since joining MLS in July, and all nine had resulted in wins – six from the run of play and three via a penalty shootout across Leagues Cup, U.S. Open Cup and MLS matches.
But on Wednesday, Messi’s magical left boot failed to produce a decisive play, and Miami dropped points in its long-odds quest to reach the MLS playoffs. It was the first time Miami was held scoreless since Messi’s arrival.