Despite another goal from Lionel Messi, Inter Miami were beaten in Nashville (2-1) and will play for their qualification for the 2nd round of the MLS play-offs on Saturday at home.

Two first-half goals from Sam Surridge on a penalty and Josh Bauer gave the home side the lead, who held on after Messi's superb strike to reduce the score (90th).

Miami, 3rd in the regular season in the East and favorite in its first round against Nashville (6th), hopes not to relive the scenario of last season, with an elimination in the first round against Atlanta in similar circumstances.

Philadelphia, with the best record in the regular season, secured their qualification in Chicago (3-0), as did Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps in Dallas (1-1, 4-2 on penalties).

Charlotte forced a Game 3 by winning at New York City FC (0-0, 7-6 on penalties), as did Portland against San Diego (2-2, 3-2 on penalties).

MLS playoff bracket:

First round of the play-offs (best of three games):

Western Conference

Portland (8) defeated San Diego (1) 2-2 (3-2 in a shootout), series tied 1-1

Minnesota (4) leads 1-0 against Seattle (5)

Los Angeles FC (3) leads 1-0 against Austin (6)

Vancouver (2) beat Dallas (7) 1-1 (4-2 on penalties) and win the series 2-0

Eastern Conference

Philadelphia (1) beat Chicago (8) 3-0 and wins the series 2-0

Charlotte (4) defeated New York City (5) 0-0 (7-6 in a shootout), tying the series 1-1

Nashville (6) beat Miami (3) 2-1, series tied 1-1

Cincinnati (2) leads 1-0 against Columbus (7)