A rampant Lionel Messi delivered a breathtaking hat-trick on Saturday. This incredible performance virtually secured the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot. It also guided Inter Miami to a commanding 5–2 victory over Nashville SC. This win sealed their spot in the upcoming playoffs.
The Argentine icon entered the final day of the regular season leading the scoring chart with 26 goals. He was two ahead of Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga. By full time, Messi’s tally rose to 29 goals in 28 matches. Thus, he is within reach of both the Golden Boot and a potential Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Thanks to Messi’s brilliance, Inter Miami finished third in the Eastern Conference. They will face Nashville SC again in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs starting October 24.
“What can I say about Leo? He was exceptional, as always,” said Inter coach Javier Mascherano. “Surely he’ll be awarded MVP for what he’s demonstrated this season. I’m happy for him — once again, he’s led us to victory.”
After Nashville missed several early chances, Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a classic moment of genius. He received a pass from Jordi Alba, cut inside, and unleashed a left-footed strike into the bottom corner from outside the box.
Nashville hit back quickly. Sam Surridge equalised in the 43rd minute, heading home a precise Hany Mukhtar cross. Then Jacob Shaffelburg put the visitors 2–1 up in first-half stoppage time. He did this by finishing a rebound off Mukhtar’s post-hit effort.
The goal that completed Leo Messi’s hat trick—the 60th of his career 🎩
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/TNrrpu81ID
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 19, 2025Inter Miami found its rhythm in the second half. In the 63rd minute, Messi calmly slotted in his first penalty goal of the season. This followed a handball decision against Mukhtar.
Just four minutes later, Baltasar Rodriguez restored Miami’s lead with a clinical finish. Then Messi struck again in the 81st minute. He curled home his third goal of the night through a crowd of defenders.
Read: Lionel Messi Rejoins Argentina Squad After Inter Miami Match
Substitute Telasco Segovia capped off the win with a stoppage-time strike, completing a dominant second-half display.
“In the first half, we lacked intensity and ideas,” Mascherano admitted. “But in the second, we played higher up the pitch, took risks, and ended the game at a great level.”
With Miami’s qualification sealed, the spotlight now turns to the Western Conference. There, the teams from Dallas, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and San Jose Earthquakes are battling for the final playoff spots.
Meanwhile, Thomas Müller’s Vancouver FC aims to secure top spot in the West with a win or a draw against Dallas. A loss, however, could open the door for San Diego FC. They must beat Portland and hope Vancouver stumbles to leapfrog them into first place.
