Lionel Messi delivered a stunning hat trick to lead Inter Miami to a 5-2 comeback victory over Nashville SC, securing the MLS Golden Boot for the first time with 29 goals in the 2025 regular season. His performance not only capped a record-setting individual campaign but also propelled his team to a favorable playoff position, setting the stage for an immediate postseason rematch.
The match unfolded on Saturday, October 18, 2025, on the final day of the MLS regular season, known as Decision Day, with significant implications for the playoffs. Inter Miami entered the contest aiming to solidify home-field advantage, while Nashville sought to improve their seeding in a tightly contested Eastern Conference. Despite a slow start, the game quickly intensified as both teams battled for control in front of a lively crowd at Geodis Park in Nashville.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, receiving a pass from Jordi Alba and expertly navigating past three defenders before slotting a left-footed shot into the corner of the net. This opening goal showcased his trademark precision and composure, but Nashville responded strongly before halftime. Sam Surridge equalized with a header in the 43rd minute, and Jacob Shaffelburg put the home side ahead in stoppage time after a rebound from Hany Mukhtar’s shot, leaving Inter Miami trailing 2-1 at the break.
The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum, ignited by Messi’s clinical penalty kick in the 63rd minute. Awarded after a handball by Nashville’s Andy Najar, Messi calmly converted to level the score at 2-2, injecting new energy into his team. Just four minutes later, Inter Miami took the lead when Luis Suarez’s shot was saved, but the rebound fell to Baltasar Rodriguez, who fired home to make it 3-2, capping a rapid turnaround.
Messi completed his hat trick in the 81st minute, driving a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the lower left corner to extend the lead to 4-2. He wasn’t finished, however, adding an assist in stoppage time by setting up Telasco Segovia for a simple finish, sealing the 5-2 scoreline. This flurry of goals highlighted Inter Miami’s offensive firepower and Messi’s ability to dominate crucial moments, outshooting Nashville 17-15 overall.
With this performance, Messi finished the regular season with 29 goals in just 28 appearances, comfortably winning the Golden Boot ahead of Denis Bouanga and Sam Surridge, who tied for second with 24 goals each. He also led MLS in assists with 19, coming within one of Carlos Vela’s record of 49 goal contributions in a single season. Only Vela, Josef MartÃnez, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have scored more goals in an MLS campaign than Messi’s 29, underscoring his historic impact in the league.
The victory secured Inter Miami third place in the Eastern Conference with 65 points, earning home-field advantage for the playoffs. They will face Nashville again in the first round of the postseason, with Game 1 scheduled for Friday, October 24, as confirmed by coach Javier Mascherano. This immediate rematch adds intrigue, as Nashville’s early dominance in the match—holding Inter Miami without a shot for the first 34 minutes—suggests a competitive series ahead.
Messi’s achievements have solidified his status as the frontrunner for the MLS MVP award, which would make him the first player to win it consecutively. Teammate Ian Fray praised his unparalleled influence, while Mascherano emphasized that Messi has erased any doubts about his regular-season dominance. As the playoffs loom, all eyes will be on Messi to see if he can translate this individual brilliance into team success, potentially leading Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup.