Messi remains on 899 goals following 0-0 draw between Inter Miami and Nashville

Lionel Messi was unable to reach his 900th career goal on Wednesday, as defending MLS champions Inter Miami ended in a 0-0 draw against Nashville during the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The 38-year-old Argentine forward faced close attention from defenders all game long, in this first leg of the round of 16 encounter in the North American competition.

Inter Miami will welcome Nashville for the return leg next Wednesday.

Messi came within one strike of the landmark 900th goal after scoring his 80th for Miami, and 899th overall, last Saturday in an MLS win against DC United.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient, who will celebrate his 39th birthday in June, netted 672 times for Barcelona earlier in his career, added 32 at Paris Saint-Germain, and has 115 goals for Argentina internationally.

Rain began falling after a goalless first half, yet the defenders continued to hold firm.

In the 57th minute, Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwenke blocked Messi's right-footed effort from the right edge of the penalty area.

Inter Miami's goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair then thwarted a header from Nashville's Reed Baker-Whiting in the 65th minute, following a cross by Cristian Espinoza, ensuring the stalemate lasted.