Nashville 2–5 Inter Miami: Messi Puts On a Show
Lionel Messi delivers masterclass hat-trick as Inter Miami defeats Nashville 5-2 on MLS Decision Day 2025. Messi secures Golden Boot with 29 goals and second consecutive MVP award.
⚽ Key Takeaways
- •Messi scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in Inter Miami's 5-2 victory over Nashville on MLS Decision Day.
- •With 29 goals, Messi secured the 2025 MLS Golden Boot and is expected to win his second consecutive MVP award.
- •Inter Miami will face Nashville SC again in the MLS Playoffs first round with momentum on their side.
Lionel Messi once again delivered a masterclass. The Argentine superstar guided Inter Miami CF to a 5–2 victory over Nashville SC on MLS Decision Day 2025, capping the regular season with a hat-trick and an assist.
Messi is pure spectacle — the undisputed face of Major League Soccer — and this Saturday, he proved once more why he remains at the top of world football. The captain led Las Garzas to a convincing win at Geodis Park, sealing what is expected to be his second consecutive MVP award and the Golden Boot.
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GO-LA-ZOOOO DE LIONEL 🤩🪄 pic.twitter.com/NbpbPhMMLf
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 18, 2025
A Tough Start in Nashville
It wasn't an easy match for Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano. Playing away at the always challenging Geodis Park, Miami opened the scoring in the 34th minute thanks to a brilliant curling strike from Messi into the bottom-right corner past Joe Willis (0–1).
However, Nashville responded quickly. Sam Surridge equalized in the 43rd minute with a header at the far post, and in stoppage time (45+6'), Jacob Shaffelburg completed the turnaround after a rebound off the woodwork found its way back into play. At halftime, the home side led 2–1.
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Messi Takes Over
After the break, everything changed. Messi equalized with a penalty in the 63rd minute — his first from the spot in the 2025 MLS season — and just four minutes later (67'), Baltasar Rodríguez scored to restore Miami's lead (2–3).
GOAL FROM HIM AGAIN!! ⚽️🔥 pic.twitter.com/JJ9aoLpPxa
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 18, 2025
With complete control of the match, Messi completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute. Receiving a smart pass from Ian Fray just outside the box, he curled another perfect shot into the far corner — unstoppable. That goal brought his total to 29 goals, securing his position as the frontrunner for the 2025 MLS Golden Boot.
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The Captain's Final Touch
But Messi wasn't done. In stoppage time (90+1'), Telasco Segovia added the fifth goal after a brilliant sequence: Fray's run on the right, a clever dummy by Luis Suárez, and Messi's subtle assist to set up the Venezuelan midfielder.
It was a reminder that Messi's magic goes far beyond his goals — his vision, movement, and intelligence continue to elevate everyone around him. Just like Ronaldo, Mbappé, and Haaland, Messi remains one of soccer's greatest ever players.
Inter Miami head into the MLS Playoffs in spectacular form, set to face Nashville SC once again — with their captain at the peak of his powers.
Match Statistics & Key Moments
Final Score: Nashville SC 2 – 5 Inter Miami CF
Venue: Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee
Date: October 18, 2025 (MLS Decision Day)
Goals:
- 34' Lionel Messi (0-1)
- 43' Sam Surridge (1-1)
- 45+6' Jacob Shaffelburg (2-1)
- 63' Lionel Messi (penalty) (2-2)
- 67' Baltasar Rodríguez (2-3)
- 81' Lionel Messi (2-4)
- 90+1' Telasco Segovia (2-5)
Assists: Lionel Messi (1), Ian Fray (2), Luis Suárez (dummy)
Man of the Match: Lionel Messi (Hat-trick + Assist)
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What This Means for the MLS Playoffs
With this emphatic victory, Inter Miami enters the MLS Playoffs as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Messi's 29 goals make him the clear Golden Boot winner, while his leadership and playmaking ability give Miami a significant advantage.
The team will face Nashville SC again in the first round of the playoffs — and after this dominant display, Miami will be confident of progressing to the next stage.
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Messi's 2025 MLS Season by the Numbers
- Goals: 29 (Golden Boot leader)
- Assists: 16
- Appearances: 32
- Hat-tricks: 4
- Minutes Played: 2,720
- MVP Status: Expected 2nd consecutive award
These statistics cement Messi as not just the face of MLS, but one of the greatest players to ever grace American soccer fields. Whether you're watching at Chase Stadium or any soccer field near you, Messi's impact is undeniable.
Inter Miami's Road to the Playoffs
Inter Miami finished the regular season in dominant fashion, securing their playoff spot weeks ago. With Messi leading the attack, alongside Luis Suárez and rising stars like Baltasar Rodríguez, the team has transformed into a formidable force in Major League Soccer.
Playing at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Inter Miami has become one of the league's most exciting teams to watch. Their attacking style, creative playmaking, and Messi's genius have drawn record crowds and global attention.
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Javier Mascherano's Tactical Masterclass
Coach Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi at Barcelona and Argentina, has successfully built a system that maximizes the captain's strengths while developing young talent. His tactical adjustments at halftime proved crucial, allowing Inter Miami to dominate the second half.
Mascherano's ability to blend experienced stars like Messi and Suárez with emerging players has created a balanced and dangerous squad. The chemistry between players is evident, and their understanding of each other's movements makes them a nightmare for opponents.
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FAQs – Nashville 2-5 Inter Miami
1. When did Inter Miami beat Nashville 5-2?
Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 5-2 on October 18, 2025, during MLS Decision Day — the final day of the regular season. The match was played at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
2. How many goals did Messi score against Nashville?
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick (3 goals) and provided one assist in the match. His goals came in the 34th minute, 63rd minute (penalty), and 81st minute. This performance brought his season total to 29 goals, securing the MLS Golden Boot.
3. Did Messi win the MLS Golden Boot in 2025?
Yes! With 29 goals in the 2025 regular season, Messi is the clear Golden Boot winner. His hat-trick against Nashville sealed the award and demonstrated why he's still at the peak of world football.
4. Who assisted Messi's goals?
Messi's goals came from his individual brilliance and teamwork. Ian Fray provided a crucial assist for his third goal, while Messi himself assisted Telasco Segovia's goal in stoppage time. The Argentine maestro also creates his own chances, as seen in his curling strikes.
5. Where can I watch Inter Miami play?
Inter Miami plays home matches at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You can also find soccer fields in Florida to play yourself or watch other teams at various MLS stadiums nationwide.
6. Is Messi going to win MLS MVP again?
Based on his dominant 2025 season performance — 29 goals, 16 assists, and leading Inter Miami to the playoffs — Messi is expected to win his second consecutive MLS MVP award. His impact on the league has been transformative.
7. When do the MLS Playoffs start?
The MLS Playoffs begin shortly after Decision Day. Inter Miami will face Nashville SC in the first round — a rematch after this 5-2 victory.
8. How can I train like Messi?
To train like Messi, focus on ball control, quick decision-making, and finishing accuracy. Practice at your local soccer field near me, work on dribbling in tight spaces, and study his movement patterns. You can even use Messi AI for motivational messages or create an AI selfie with Messi to inspire your training!
9. Where is Geodis Park located?
Geodis Park is located in Nashville, Tennessee. It's the home stadium of Nashville SC and one of the premier MLS soccer stadiums in the United States.
10. Who else scored for Inter Miami?
Besides Messi's hat-trick, Inter Miami also saw goals from Baltasar Rodríguez (67') and Telasco Segovia (90+1'). The team's depth and attacking prowess were on full display.
Conclusion
Nashville 2–5 Inter Miami will be remembered as one of Messi's finest performances in MLS history. His hat-trick, assist, and leadership showcased why he's still the world's best player and why Inter Miami are genuine contenders for the MLS Cup.
As the MLS Playoffs begin, all eyes will be on the Argentine captain and his team. From Geodis Park to Chase Stadium, Messi continues to write his American soccer legacy one brilliant goal at a time.
So next time you search for a soccer field near me, grab a ball, step on the pitch, and remember — greatness comes from passion and practice, just like Lionel Messi has shown throughout his legendary career.
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