Oct 18, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates his goal off of a penalty kick against Nashville SC during the second half at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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Lionel Messi’s Hat-Trick Clinches MLS Golden Boot As Inter Miami Thrash Nashville 5–2

Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass on Saturday as he scored a brilliant hat-trick to power Inter Miami to a 5–2 victory over Nashville SC. Messi’s hat-trick sealed the 2025 MLS Golden Boot for the Argentine and also guided his side into the playoffs. Entering the final day of the regular season with 26 goals, the Argentine maestro surged ahead of rivals Denis Bouanga and Sam Surridge, finishing the campaign with an astonishing 29 goals in just 28 matches.

The win also cemented Miami’s third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, setting up a playoff rematch against Nashville later this month. Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a vintage strike. The former Barcelona and PSG attacker took a pass from Jordi Alba before cutting inside and curling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. Though Nashville briefly turned the game around through goals from Sam Surridge and Jacob Shaffelburg, Messi took over in the second half.

Objetivo cumplido 💗✅ pic.twitter.com/qx4yXluHEr
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 19, 2025

Also Read: Lionel Messi Breaks World Record for Most International Assists in Argentina’s 6–0 Win Over Puerto Rico

Lionel Messi Sparks Inter Miami Turnaround in Second-Half

Messi converted from the spot in the 63rd minute before completing his hat-trick with a stunning curler in the 81st. Baltasar Rodriguez and Telasco Segovia also found the net as Miami ran riot in the closing stages. Speaking after the match, Inter manager Javier Mascherano hailed his captain’s brilliance, “What can I say about Leo? Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the MVP for what he’s demonstrated all season.” Indeed, Messi’s performances have elevated Miami’s campaign, turning them from mid-table hopefuls into genuine title contenders.

pic.twitter.com/ZMh2kQw6zB
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 19, 2025

Also Read: Lionel Messi Announces the Inaugural “Messi Cup” Youth Tournament in Miami

With 29 league goals and 12 assists, Messi strengthened his case for a second MLS MVP award. Only Carlos Vela (34), Josef Martinez (31), and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (30) have ever scored more goals in a single MLS season. Messi’s exploits this season have been a testament to the 38-year-old’s enduring dominance on the pitch. Miami will now look to carry that form into the playoffs, where the stage is set for another Messi-led push for silverware.

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

MLS

MLS 2025

Nashville SC

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.