Lionel Messi remarkable run of form showed no signs of slowing as the Inter Miami captain fired a brilliant brace in a 3–1 win over Nashville SC in the opening round of the MLS playoffs.
Before kickoff, Messi was honored with the MLS Golden Boot by league commissioner Don Garber, who praised the Argentine for his extraordinary influence on American soccer since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023.
Lionel Messi claimed the award after finishing the regular season with 29 goals in 28 matches, edging out Nashville’s Sam Surridge and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga in the scoring race.
“I’m here tonight not just to attend the game but to present Leo with the Golden Boot,” Garber told ESPN. “I don’t think any of us could have imagined how much Leo would deliver for this club, for this city, and for this league. He’s exceeded every expectation.”
Moments later, Lionel Messi turned his attention back to business — and wasted little time proving why he remains the sport’s biggest star.
Just 20 minutes into the first leg at Chase Stadium, the Argentine maestro broke the deadlock following a trademark link-up with longtime teammate Luis Suárez. After exchanging passes, Messi darted into the box and met Suárez’s return cross with a diving header to make it 1–0.
Nashville did manage a late consolation through Hany Mukhtar, reducing the deficit to two and keeping the best-of-three series alive heading into the second leg.
Messi’s latest performance took his tally to 39 goals in 44 competitive appearances this season, including seven in his last three games. The 2022 World Cup winner will now look to continue his scoring streak when Inter Miami travel to Geodis Park for the return fixture.
A win there would send Miami through to the next round, while a loss would set up a decisive third match back in Florida. If the second leg ends in a draw, the contest will head straight to penalties — a fittingly dramatic scenario for Messi’s latest American chapter.
