Lionel Messi delivered yet another masterclass on Saturday night, firing a stunning hat-trick that sealed his first MLS Golden Boot and powered Inter Miami to a 5–2 triumph over Nashville SC.
The Argentine icon’s three goals brought his season tally to 29 goals in 28 matches, edging out Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC and Sam Surridge of Nashville, who both finished with 24 goals.
Messi’s brilliance not only secured Miami’s spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs but also strengthened his claim for a second consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Inter Miami will now face Nashville again when the playoffs begin on October 24.
“What can I say about Leo?” Inter head coach Javier Mascherano remarked after the match. “He was exceptional, as always. He keeps proving why he’s the best in the world.”
Nashville started strong, creating several chances before Messi broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Collecting a pass from Alba, he unleashed a strike from outside the box that found the bottom corner.
Nashville responded quickly. Surridge equalized with a header in the 43rd minute, and Shaffelburg put them ahead just before halftime, converting a rebound.
But Messi wasn’t finished. He leveled the score in the 63rd minute with his first penalty of the season after Mukhtar handled the ball in the box. Moments later, Baltasar Rodriguez fired Miami ahead 3–2 in the 67th minute.
Messi then sealed his hat-trick by curling a precise shot through traffic in the 81st minute to complete the rout. Telasco Segovia added a late fifth in stoppage time, putting the result beyond doubt.
Mascherano praised his side’s response after a sluggish first half.
“In the first half, we lacked intensity,” he admitted. “But after the break, we pressed higher, moved the ball better, and finished at a great level.”
The victory gives Inter Miami huge momentum heading into the postseason and reaffirms Messi’s dominance in the MLS. His arrival has not only elevated the club’s performance but also reignited global attention on American soccer.
