Inter Miami FC vs Nashville, 7:30 ET

Lionel Messi’s MLS home debut on Wednesday night against Nashville SC is currently trending as the Inter Miami second hottest home ticket since 2021 with an average price of $247.

Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC in penalty kicks in Leagues Cup final on August 20th; team is 2-3-4 (W-D-L) in 9 all-time meetings against Nashville in all competitions.

Inter Miami is 6-3-0 (W-D-L) in all competitions since Lionel Messi joined the team, winning all 3 penalty shootouts that stemmed from the draws; team went 1-3-5 in all competitions in the 9 games prior to Messi’s arrival.

The team is seeking consecutive MLS wins for first time since 3 straight wins in April-May (team was 0-3-8 in previous 11 MLS games before Messi’s arrival and league debut in win over New York Red Bulls).

Lionel Messi (MIA): 11 goals and 3 assists in 9 games played for Miami in all competitions (14 goal contributions); the most goal contributions Messi had over a 10-game span with PSG was 16 (2022-23).

Messi has also scored or assisted in 9 straight games for Inter Miami, his longest streak in club play since 2018-19 with Barcelona; he longest streak of his club career is 14, done twice.

He is seeking to score in and win 5 straight home games at club level for the first time since Feb.-April 2019 with Barcelona (won and scored in 6 straight home games in all comps.)

Messi has 11 goals for Inter Miami this season, the most by any player on the team (all competitions).

Fans are traveling 95% further to see IM at DRV PNK Stadium in 2023 than in 2022. Fans are traveling over 580 miles for Wednesday’s match at DRV PNK Stadium.

The average ticket price for Inter Miami FC’s 2023 season is up +258% compared to the 2022 and 2021 season.

Check out Shemon and Sheppard 2-6pm for more on this story and lots more.

Are you taking a road trip this weekend? When I leave Southwest Florida on a Friday, I almost always need a pit stop. I've been up since 4am, am often hungry, tired and in need of a pick-me-up. If you're like me, there are pit stops like this party place on I-75 in Manatee County. And then there is this fantastic crab shack on US17 in Punta Gorda. However, this Central Florida BBQ pit stop is smokin’ hot. It's Smoking' Joes BBQ in Bowling Green. If you've ever been to the famous golf resort Streamsong, you might be familiar with this small community. Otherwise, most people fly right through.

You might just smell this Central Florida BBQ pit stop before you see it. But when you see it, it's hard not to do a double take.  Described by some as a BBQ dive. The long building is painted with cheeky cartoons and a large smoker sits roadside, tempting passersby with its aromas. The building has been there for decades. It's been a family run BBQ joint for about 26 years.

Not that I ever expect a BBQ place to be chic, but the décor here is indeed interesting.  The dining room looks like an old dance hall with a disco ball hanging from the ceiling and a light system. Half of the dining area is filled with tables, the other half appears to be used for storage. I always grabbed my food to go from the counter.

Side dishes are the ones you might expect at a BBQ joint. The coleslaw is creamy, balanced and great with the pulled pork, whether on the side or piled into the sandwich. Mac-n-Cheese is also creamy. Baked beans are the kind you crave with BBQ. They have a sweet and savory edge. There is also collard greens, yams, fried okra and lots more.

Pulled pork is their specialty. Get it in a sandwich, a platter or by the pound. It is even piled high in Smokin' Joe's Cuban Sandwich. The fries are crinkly, salty and crisp. Other smoked meats include brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage. In addition, fried catfish, flounder and shrimp are on the menu. There are signs for smoked mullet and Central Florida's famous boiled peanuts, both of which I plan to try next. If you have a sweet tooth, try the hand dipped ice cream and milk shakes. The fruit crumbles are homemade. Are you getting hungry?

Favorite Florida Pit stops is a culinary and travel series. It primarily features mom and pop restaurants along well traveled roads to and from Southwest Florida.