Lionel Messi Secures Golden Boot as Inter Miami Defeats Nashville SC

Lionel Messi cemented his status as a Major League Soccer (MLS) superstar, clinching the Golden Boot trophy with a hat trick in Inter Miami’s 5-2 victory over Nashville SC on October 18, 2025. The Argentine forward finished the season with 29 goals, leading all MLS players.

Messi’s Performance and Golden Boot Win

Messi’s three goals propelled Inter Miami to a decisive win at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee. He scored in the 34th, 63rd (penalty), and 81st minutes. Jordi Alba assisted on Messi’s first goal of the match. Baltasar Rodríguez and Telasco Segovia also contributed to Inter Miami’s offensive output, scoring in the 67th and 90+1 minutes, respectively.

For Nashville SC, Sam Surridge scored in the 43rd minute and Jacob Shaffelburg in the 45+6 minute.

Match Details and Standings

The final score was Nashville SC 2 – 5 Inter Miami CF. Inter Miami finished the regular season with a record of 19-8-7, accumulating 65 points. Nashville SC concluded with a 16-6-12 record and 54 points. Inter Miami will be the No. 3 seed in the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs, and will face No. 6-seed Nashville again in a best-of-three series beginning on October 24 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Coach Mascherano Praises Messi

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano lauded Messi’s performance, stating, “Well, what can I say about Leo? The truth is that he was exceptional today, as he usually is. Clearly, I think that if anyone had any doubts about his regular season, he has dispelled them. He will surely be awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Season award for everything he has shown, not to mention the three goals he has scored. I’m happy for him because he has helped us win the game again.”

Messi’s Impact on Soccer in the US

Ian Fray of Inter Miami commented on Messi’s impact, saying, “He’s brought so much attention to soccer in this country – it’s unreal. No other player in the world could have this impact in this country. It’s crazy.” Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman added, “We grab for granted what he does for 20-plus years.”

Game Statistics

Here’s a breakdown of the key game statistics:

• Possession: Nashville SC 40.3% / Inter Miami CF 59.7%
• Shots on Goal: Nashville SC 7 / Inter Miami CF 9
• Shot Attempts: Nashville SC 15 / Inter Miami CF 17
• Yellow Cards: Nashville SC 1 / Inter Miami CF 2
• Corner Kicks: Nashville SC 6 / Inter Miami CF 3
• Saves: Nashville SC 4 / Inter Miami CF 5