Soccer fans got to see something truly amazing on Saturday as Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in the world, scored a sensational hat trick to help Inter Miami win a thrilling 5-2 victory over Nashville SC. The Argentine superstar not only lit up the game but also took a huge step toward winning the MLS Golden Boot, an award given to the player who scores the most goals in a season.
Lionel Messi’s Incredible Season
Before the game, Lionel Messi was already leading the scoring chart with 26 goals, just two more than Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC. Even though Bouanga played later in the day, Messi had been unstoppable all season. After this match, Messi had scored 29 goals in 28 games, which is an incredible average of more than one goal per game—something very few soccer players ever achieve. With this performance, Lionel Messi was also in strong contention for a second MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, which is given to the player who contributes the most to their team over the season.
Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, was full of praise for Lionel Messi after the match. He said, “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. I’m happy for him because he has helped us win the match once again.”
The First Half Drama
The game itself started in a dramatic fashion. Nashville came out strong and created some excellent chances. But Lionel Messi showed why he’s considered one of the best by scoring the first goal for Inter Miami in the 34th minute. He received a perfect pass from Jordi Alba, made a quick move to get past a defender, and then unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the bottom left corner of the goal. Fans watching the match were on the edge of their seats as Lionel Messi’s skill lit up the field.
However, Nashville didn’t back down. Nine minutes later, Sam Surridge scored for Nashville with a perfect header off a cross from Hany Mukhtar, marking Surridge’s 24th goal of the season. Nashville then took the lead at the very end of the first half. Jacob Shaffelburg scored after Mukhtar’s shot hit the post, giving Nashville a surprising 2-0 lead at halftime.
Lionel Messi Turns the Game Around
Many people thought Inter Miami might struggle to come back, but Lionel Messi was not done. In the 63rd minute, he scored his first penalty of the season to bring Miami back into the game. The referee awarded the penalty after the ball deflected off Luis Suarez and hit Mukhtar’s hand inside the penalty area. Messi calmly rolled the ball into the net with his signature precision, showing why he is known for performing well under pressure.
Just a few minutes later, Baltasar Rodriguez gave Inter Miami the lead with a goal in the 67th minute, making the score 3-2. But Messi wasn’t finished yet. In the 81st minute, he completed his hat trick with a stunning curling shot that slipped through Nashville’s defenders and past goalkeeper Joe Willis. To cap off the scoring, Telasco Segovia added another goal for Inter Miami in injury time, ending the game 5-2.
After the match, Mascherano explained the team’s approach: “In the first half, it was very tough for us. We lacked intensity. We defended very deep, and with the ball, we didn’t have many ideas either. The second half was different. We played in the opponent’s half, took more risks, and finished at a great level.” Clearly, Inter Miami’s decision to attack more aggressively paid off, thanks in large part to Lionel Messi’s brilliance.
Playoff Implications
This victory wasn’t just important for one game—it helped Inter Miami secure third place in the Eastern Conference, which means they will face Nashville SC again in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting October 24th. It’s going to be an exciting rematch, and fans are already buzzing about whether Lionel Messi can shine again in the playoffs.
Across the MLS Western Conference, there were also some very exciting games. Four teams—Dallas, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and San Jose Earthquakes—were fighting for the last two playoff spots. Every point was crucial because the playoffs determine who has a chance to win the MLS Cup, the league’s ultimate trophy.
Meanwhile, Thomas Muller’s Vancouver FC was trying to secure the top spot in the West. They needed either a win or a draw at home against Dallas to guarantee the number one position. But if Vancouver had lost, it could have opened the door for San Diego FC, who would have needed to win their game against Portland and hope Vancouver lost. It shows just how competitive the MLS can be—every game counts, and even small mistakes can change the playoff picture.
The Significance of Lionel Messi’s Hat Trick
Let’s also talk a little about Lionel Messi’s hat trick because it’s a big deal in soccer. A hat trick is when a player scores three goals in one game, and it’s considered a remarkable achievement, even for top-level players. Messi has done this multiple times in his career, including during his legendary days at Barcelona and PSG, but doing it in MLS is proof that he is still one of the most lethal scorers in the world. Scoring 29 goals in a season is also an incredible feat because MLS matches are only 34 games long, which means Lionel Messi scored almost a goal per game! That level of consistency is rare and shows his world-class talent.
Soccer fans were also excited because this game highlighted teamwork as much as individual brilliance. Lionel Messi’s goals were made possible by perfect passes from teammates like Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, and others. Soccer isn’t just about scoring; it’s about creating chances, defending well, and working as a team. Inter Miami showed that in the second half of this match.
Why This Match Was Special
Finally, this game is a great example of how soccer is unpredictable and exciting. Nashville had a strong lead at halftime, and many thought they would win, but Inter Miami turned the game around with skill, determination, and Messi’s magic. It’s moments like these that make soccer such a beloved sport worldwide.
As the MLS playoffs approach, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Lionel Messi can continue his extraordinary form and lead Inter Miami to glory. Whether you’re a longtime soccer fan or just starting to follow the sport, this match is one to remember. Messi’s hat trick wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a performance that brought his team together and gave fans everywhere a reason to celebrate.
MLS is heating up, the playoffs are around the corner, and one thing is certain: Lionel Messi is making history in America, one goal at a time.
Fun Soccer Fact
Lionel Messi has scored over 800 career goals across clubs and national team matches in his career.
Soccer News Update
MLS playoffs begin October 24th, with Inter Miami facing Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference first round.
