Lionel Messi produced a stunning hat-trick to clinch the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot and lead Inter Miami to a commanding 5–2 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night.
The Argentine superstar capped a spectacular regular season with 29 goals in 28 matches, finishing ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who both ended the campaign with 24 goals.
Messi’s treble not only sealed his first MLS Golden Boot but also strengthened his bid for a second consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, as Inter Miami secured third place in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs.
“What can I say about Leo?” said Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano after the match. “Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. He’s been the difference all season, and I’m sure he’ll be named MVP again.”
Nashville began brightly, creating several early chances, but Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a trademark left-footed curler into the bottom corner after a clever exchange with Jordi Alba.
Nashville responded nine minutes later when Sam Surridge headed in from Hany Mukhtar’s cross, before Jacob Shaffelburg put the visitors ahead 2–1 on the stroke of halftime, slotting home the rebound after Mukhtar’s effort came off the post.
Messi levelled matters in the 52nd minute with a precise finish from close range and then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot to restore Miami’s lead. Goals from Leonardo Campana and Telasco Segovia in the final stages sealed a resounding win for the hosts.
The result ensures Inter Miami head into the MLS Cup Playoffs in excellent form, with Messi set to face Nashville again in the first round on October 24 — a rematch now brimming with anticipation after the Argentine’s latest masterclass.