Lionel Messi produced another magical performance on Saturday night, scoring a stunning hat-trick to seal the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot and inspire Inter Miami to a 5–2 victory over Nashville SC.
The Argentine superstar capped off a brilliant regular season with 29 goals in 28 matches, finishing ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who both ended the campaign with 24 goals.
Messi’s treble not only secured his first MLS Golden Boot but also strengthened his claim for a second consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, as Inter Miami wrapped up third place in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs.
“What can I say about Leo?” Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said after the match. “Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. He’s been the difference all season, and I’m sure he’ll be named MVP again.”
Nashville started the brighter side, creating several early chances before Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a trademark left-footed strike into the bottom corner after a clever pass from Jordi Alba.
Nashville equalised nine minutes later through Sam Surridge, who headed home from Hany Mukhtar’s delivery, before Jacob Shaffelburg put them ahead just before halftime, finishing from close range after Mukhtar’s shot struck the post.
Inter Miami roared back after the break, with Messi netting twice more — first from the penalty spot and then with a superb solo effort — to complete his hat-trick and swing the game in the hosts’ favour.
Substitute Telasco Segovia added a fifth in stoppage time to complete the rout, leaving Nashville reeling ahead of the playoffs.
The win ensures Inter Miami head into the MLS Cup Playoffs in top form, with Messi set to face Nashville again in the first-round clash on October 24 — a rematch now brimming with anticipation after another unforgettable night from the Argentine legend.
