Inter Miami CF closed out the 2025 MLS regular season in emphatic style, storming back from a halftime deficit to beat Nashville SC 5–2 at GEODIS Park on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The result, which was talked about in the match preview reported by SoftFootball, secured third place in the Eastern Conference for Miami (19–8–7, 65 points) and set up a playoff rematch against sixth-placed Nashville (16–6–12, 54 points) in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
The night belonged to Lionel Messi, who delivered yet another masterclass. His hat-trick, combined with goals from Baltasar Rodríguez and Telasco Segovia, capped a brilliant comeback for Javier Mascherano’s side. The win came just weeks after SoftFootball reported Mascherano praising Messi’s leadership following their 4–0 demolition of Atlanta United, and the Argentine captain once again proved decisive when it mattered most.
Messi opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a curling effort from distance, but Nashville hit back through Sam Surridge and Jacob Shaffelburg to lead 2–1 at the break. The second half, though, was all Inter Miami. Messi equalized from the penalty spot in 63 minutes after a handball inside the area before Rodríguez pounced on a rebound to make it 3–2 just four minutes later.
Messi then completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute with a trademark left-foot curler, which was also posted on Inter Miami’s official X account, and Segovia sealed the win in stoppage time after another Messi assist.
Mascherano hailed the response from his players, saying they showed patience and bravery in the second half after a shaky start. The coach noted how Miami pushed higher up the pitch and took control of the game’s rhythm.
The victory means Inter Miami finishes with 81 goals—becoming only the third team in MLS history to reach that milestone. With 29 goals and 19 assists this season, Messi is on course for both the Golden Boot and another MVP crown. For Nashville, it was a humbling night that sets up a quick turnaround as they prepare to face Miami again in the opening round of the playoffs.
