Within the electrical ambiance of Chase Stadium, Lionel Messi reminded Main League Soccer why he’s nonetheless soccer’s most transcendent determine. Going through Nashville SC within the first leg of their MLS Cup Spherical One playoff collection, the Argentine celebrity delivered one other masterclass, scoring twice and main Inter Miami to a commanding 3-1 victory. For years, Carlos Vela’s offensive brilliance had been the benchmark in MLS. However on this evening in Fort Lauderdale, Messi raised the bar as soon as once more.
The evening started with a way of ceremony and future. Earlier than kickoff, MLS commissioner Don Garber stepped onto the pitch to honor Messi with the Golden Boot award for ending because the league’s high scorer with 29 objectives in 28 matches. “I’m right here tonight not simply to attend the sport however to current Leo with the Golden Boot,” Garber stated. “I don’t suppose we ever might have imagined that Leo would have been capable of ship for this membership, for this metropolis, and for this league the way in which he has.”
Minutes later, Messi proved why. Within the nineteenth minute, after a swift change with Luis Suárez, Messi drifted into the middle of the field and related with a diving header that despatched Chase Stadium roaring. The partnership between the 2 South American icons as soon as once more proved deadly, a throwback to their Barcelona days.
After halftime, Inter Miami continued to press ahead. Tadeo Allende doubled the lead within the 62nd minute, nodding residence a well-placed cross from Ian Fray after a set-piece sequence. With Nashville reeling, Messi struck once more deep into stoppage time — this time a left-footed end from distance after a one-two with Jordi Alba.
“We’re completely satisfied to have gained the primary one, however that is just the start,” stated Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano after the sport. “Now it’s time to relaxation and put together for Saturday’s match, which can even be a really robust one. The opponent has nice gamers, and we have to reduce our errors.”
The second historical past was made
It wasn’t simply one other brace. Together with his two objectives towards Nashville, Lionel Messi shattered one among Main League Soccer’s most spectacular data — one beforehand held by Carlos Vela. The Argentine legend grew to become the primary participant in MLS historical past to achieve 39 objectives throughout all competitions in a calendar yr, surpassing each Vela’s 38 in 2019 and Denis Bouanga’s 38 in 2023.
The achievement is exceptional not only for its scale however for the way shortly Messi achieved it. Since arriving in Miami in 2023, he has redefined what particular person dominance seems like in American soccer. His 30 objectives within the 2025 MLS season alone (common season and playoffs mixed) now lead the league, forward of Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, each on 24.
For comparability, Vela’s record-breaking 2019 season was thought of unrepeatable. But, Messi has accomplished it at 38 years previous, balancing membership success with worldwide obligation and nonetheless delivering decisive performances when it issues most.
