Lionel Messi Seals Golden Boot As Miami Crushes Nashville To Reach MLS Playoffs

‎Lionel Messi once again reminded the world why he remains football’s ultimate showman.

‎On Saturday night, the Argentine produced a breathtaking hat-trick to lead Inter Miami to a 5–2 victory over Nashville SC, effectively securing the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot and propelling them into the playoffs in sensational style.

‎The Golden Boot Moment

‎Messi entered the final matchday of the regular season sitting atop the MLS scoring charts with 26 goals, just two ahead of Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC.

‎But by the final whistle, he had extended that lead emphatically ending the campaign with 29 goals in 28 appearances, a record that could soon earn him the Golden Boot, and also a second MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

‎First Half:

‎Nashville started brightly, creating multiple chances before Messi stamped his authority on the match in the 34th minute. After a neat exchange with former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, Messi unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box, nestling it into the bottom corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joe Willis.

‎However, the visitors weren’t done. Sam Surridge leveled with a sharp header from Hany Mukhtar’s delivery in the 43rd minute his 24th goal of the season.

‎Then, deep into first-half injury time, Jacob Shaffelburg pounced on a rebound after Mukhtar’s shot struck the post, putting Nashville ahead 2–1 at the break.

‎Second Half:

‎Inter Miami emerged from the tunnel with renewed purpose. Coach Javier Mascherano, who admitted his team lacked intensity early on, urged his players to push higher up the pitch and it paid off.

‎In the 63rd minute, Miami were awarded a penalty after Luis Suárez’s deflected shot struck Mukhtar’s arm. Up stepped Messi, calm as ever, to roll in his first penalty goal of the season, bringing the score to 2–2.

‎Just four minutes later, Baltasar Rodriguez put Miami in front 3–2, finishing off a well-worked move. Then came the moment that sealed it in the 81st minute, Messi curled a beautiful shot through traffic, completing his hat-trick and sending the DRV PNK Stadium crowd into raptures.

‎Substitute Telasco Segovia added a fifth in stoppage time, capping off a statement win for Inter Miami.

‎Neat

‎Inter Miami’s victory secured third place in the Eastern Conference, setting up a first-round playoff clash against Nashville SC, which is once again a rematch loaded with drama and recent history.

‎Meanwhile, over in the Western Conference, the playoff race remains fierce.

‎FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and San Jose Earthquakes are battling for the last two spots.

‎Elsewhere, Thomas Müller’s Vancouver FC is looking to lock down top spot in the West with at least a draw against Dallas but a loss could open the door for San Diego FC, who must win at Portland and hope results go their way.