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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lionel Messi delivered a performance for the ages on MLS Decision Day, scoring a hat-trick and adding an assist in Inter Miami’s commanding 5-2 victory over Nashville SC at Geodis Park. The 38-year-old Argentine superstar clinched the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals, edging out LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, both with 24. His 19 assists also led the league, bringing his season total to 48 goal contributions—just one shy of Carlos Vela’s MLS record set in 2019. Messi’s masterclass not only secured him the Golden Boot but also cemented his historic status as the first player to win consecutive Landon Donovan MLS MVP awards.
A Night of Records and Redemption
The stage was set for a high-stakes showdown, with both Messi and Surridge vying for the Golden Boot. Messi struck first in the 35th minute, firing a signature left-footed curler from outside the box, assisted by Jordi Alba, to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. Nashville responded fiercely, with Surridge’s header in the 43rd minute and Jacob Shaffelburg’s stoppage-time strike off a Hany Mukhtar rebound putting the hosts ahead 2-1 at halftime.
The second half belonged to Messi. After a handball by Nashville’s Andy Najar led to a penalty, Messi coolly converted in the 63rd minute to level the score at 2-2. Four minutes later, Baltasar Rodríguez put Inter Miami ahead 3-2 with a clinical finish. Messi sealed his hat-trick in the 81st minute with another left-footed gem from the center of the box, before unselfishly setting up Telasco Segovia for a stoppage-time goal to cap the 5-2 rout.
“Well, what can I say about Leo?” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said post-match. “He’s cleared any doubts. They’ll surely give him the MVP award for everything he’s shown.” Mascherano’s confidence was echoed by defender Ian Fray: “It’s so obvious he gives us an advantage every night.”
A Historic Season for Messi and Inter Miami
Messi’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. His 29 goals rank fourth in MLS single-season history, trailing only Vela (34), Josef Martínez (31), and Zlatan Ibrahimović (30). With 19 assists, tied with San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer for the league lead, Messi’s 48 goal contributions powered Inter Miami to a franchise-record 81 goals, the third-highest team total in MLS history.
The victory secured Inter Miami (19-7-8, 65 points) the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a rematch with No. 6 Nashville (16-12-6, 54 points) in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs’ best-of-three Round One series, starting Friday in Miami. Despite a strong first half, Nashville faltered after the break, with coach B.J. Callaghan noting, “It was a tale of two halves. We’ll take lessons from this for the playoffs.”
Messi’s dominance also strengthened his case for a second straight MVP award, a feat no player has achieved in MLS history. His 2024 season—20 goals, 16 assists, and a Supporters’ Shield title with a record 74 points—set the stage for this historic repeat.
Contract Talks and Playoff Ambitions
Off the pitch, Messi is in advanced discussions for a contract extension with Inter Miami beyond 2025, signaling his intent to continue his American journey. Sources close to the club indicate optimism about keeping the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has transformed MLS with his presence since joining in July 2023.
Despite falling short of a Supporters’ Shield repeat—FC Cincinnati clinched the No. 2 seed with a 3-0 win over Montreal—Messi’s focus now shifts to the MLS Cup, the one major domestic trophy missing from his cabinet. After last season’s first-round playoff exit to Atlanta United, Inter Miami’s revamped squad, led by Messi alongside veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, is poised for a deep postseason run.
A Blockbuster Playoff Preview
Saturday’s clash offered a glimpse of what’s to come in the playoffs. Nashville’s Surridge, a Golden Boot contender, and playmaker Hany Mukhtar kept Inter Miami’s defense on edge early, but Messi’s second-half heroics proved decisive. With the Herons riding a three-game win streak and home-field advantage secured, the upcoming best-of-three series promises to be a thriller.
As Messi continues to redefine MLS history, his performance against Nashville was a reminder of his unparalleled impact. “We take for granted what he does for 20-plus years,” said Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman. With the Golden Boot secured and a second MVP all but certain, Messi’s sights are set on delivering Inter Miami’s first MLS Cup.
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