Lionel Messi once again proved the difference for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a 3–1 win over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on Friday night to give his side a 1–0 advantage in their first-round MLS playoff series. The Argentine, who was presented with the 2025 MLS Golden Boot before kickoff—an award he earned after topping the league’s scoring chart with 29 goals—wasted little time showing why he’s still the game’s biggest name.
The forward has been in unstoppable form lately, netting a hat-trick just six days earlier against the same opponent on the final matchday of the regular season. The night carried an extra layer of celebration after Inter Miami confirmed Messi’s new three-year contract extension, keeping him in Florida until 2028, as reported by Softfootball.
If there was any pressure, Messi didn’t show it. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute, leaping to head home a perfectly measured cross from Luis Suárez after a clever buildup involving Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul. That goal sent the home fans into a roar and gave Miami the platform they needed to control the match.
The hosts looked confident from then on. Tadeo Allende doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, ghosting in at the far post to nod in Ian Fray’s delivery, with Messi again involved in the move. Nashville rarely looked threatening, managing just two shots on target all evening, while Miami dictated the tempo through Busquets’ calm passing and De Paul’s energy in midfield. The visitors’ best chance before the break came from Jacob Shaffelburg, but his low strike was easily stopped by Rios Novo.
As posted on the club’s official X account, Messi then sealed the win deep into stoppage time (90+6′) when Nashville keeper Joe Willis spilled Jordi Alba’s cross, leaving the Argentine to calmly slot home his second. It was another statement moment from the captain, who continues to shape MLS to his rhythm. Hany Mukhtar’s late free kick in the 101st minute made it 3–1, but it did little to change the narrative—this was Messi’s night, once again.
The victory puts Inter Miami one win away from the next round, with the return leg set for November 1 in Tennessee. As Softfootball earlier noted, the Herons already had Nashville’s number in their last meeting, and this performance only reaffirmed their dominance. For Messi, it was business as usual — two goals, total control, and another step closer to adding an MLS Cup title to his glittering collection.
