Lionel Messi capped off a sensational campaign by scoring a hat-trick and winning the MLS Golden Boot as Inter Miami closed out the regular season with a 5-2 win over Nashville SC. His performance helped Miami to a record-breaking team season, as defender Ian Fray enthused: “It’s so obvious that he (Messi) gives us an advantage every night.”
Lionel Messi delivered a spectacular performance on the final day of the MLS regular season, scoring a hat-trick and claiming the Golden Boot as Inter Miami powered to a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC.
The Argentine maestro’s display sealed an astonishing personal record of 29 goals and 19 assists for the season, with his 48 goal contributions being the second-highest individual total in MLS history.
The win cemented Inter Miami as the Eastern Conference’s third seed, setting up a first-round playoff rematch against the same Nashville side. Miami’s team total of 81 goals for the 2025 season also made them only the third team in MLS history to surpass the 80-goal mark.
The game was a tight affair in the first half, but Messi’s influence proved decisive. Miami defender Ian Fray highlighted the magnitude of the star’s presence, stating: “There aren’t enough words to say about him.” Fray added, “Towards the end of the game, our quality took over and we won the game.”
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was equally effusive in his praise for the 38-year-old: “What can I say about Leo? Today, he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the Most Valuable Player award for what he has demonstrated.”
Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan admitted his side struggled to contain the Argentine: “We didn’t do a good enough job (defending Messi), especially in the final 24, 25 yards… If you give him chances on the top of the box, he’s going to take them.”