Lionel Messi delivered a performance befitting his legendary status, scoring twice and receiving the highly coveted Messi Golden Boot award as Inter Miami CF secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Nashville SC in Game 1 of their Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One best-of-three series. The match, held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday, October 24, 2025, saw Messi once again prove to be the decisive force for his Miami team, setting a positive tone for their playoff aspirations with a stunning display that highlighted his incredible goal-scoring prowess.
A Night of Trophies and Triumph: The Messi Golden Boot Celebration
The evening commenced with a significant pre-game ceremony where Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber presented Lionel Messi with the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, awarded to the league’s top scorer. Messi concluded the regular season with an outstanding 29 goals in 28 appearances, outpacing his closest rivals, Denis Bouanga of LAFC and Nashville’s own Sam Surridge, both of whom scored 24 goals. This accolade marked Messi’s first MLS Golden Boot and cemented his immediate impact since arriving in the league in July 2023. Commissioner Garber lauded Messi’s influence, stating, “I don’t think we ever could have imagined that Leo would have been able to deliver for this club, for this city and for this league the way he has. He has reset the trajectory for Major League Soccer.”. The presentation of the Messi Golden Boot added to the celebratory atmosphere, especially as it followed the recent news of Messi signing a three-year contract extension to remain with Inter Miami through the 2028 season, ensuring more of his magic for fans to witness.
Messi’s Masterclass on the Field Secures a Playoff Advantage
With the individual honor of the Messi Golden Boot fresh in hand, Messi seamlessly transitioned to the pitch and wasted no time making his mark on the postseason opener. In the 19th minute, he opened the scoring with a signature moment of brilliance: a diving header from a precise cross delivered by teammate Luis Suárez, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The Argentinian superstar’s influence extended beyond his own scoring, as he also played a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s second goal in the 62nd minute. Messi initiated the play, finding Ian Fray on the right wing, who then delivered a perfectly weighted cross for Tadeo Allende to head home. This goal doubled Inter Miami’s lead and showcased the team’s cohesive attacking play, driven by their captain’s vision, with each of Lionel Messi goals adding to the excitement.
The narrative of the match was firmly in Inter Miami’s control until the final moments. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Messi sealed his brace and effectively put the game beyond doubt. Capitalizing on a loose ball in the penalty area, he tapped it into an empty net to make it 3-0. This goal was not only his second of the match but also his first-ever MLS postseason brace, underscoring his ability to perform on the biggest stages, further cementing his legacy with another significant achievement related to the Messi Golden Boot.
Nashville’s Response and Playoff Context in Miami vs Nashville
Despite Inter Miami’s dominance, Nashville SC managed to find a late consolation goal. In the 101st minute, Hany Mukhtar, the 2022 MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner, converted a free-kick to put Nashville on the scoreboard. While the goal came too late to impact the outcome of this particular soccer playoff match, it served as a reminder of Mukhtar’s threat and Nashville’s potential to bounce back in the series after this initial Miami vs Nashville encounter.
The victory gives Inter Miami a significant 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. This playoff run is particularly meaningful for Miami, as the club aims to advance beyond the first round for the first time during Messi’s tenure. The team’s strong performance against Nashville, a team they have consistently outperformed since Messi’s mid-2023 arrival, further fuels their confidence. Inter Miami concluded the regular season third in the Eastern Conference standings, and their established dominance over Nashville SC, including a 7W-0L-2D record in nine meetings across all competitions since Leagues Cup 2023, positions them well for their playoff challenge and the pursuit of an MLS Golden Boot for their star player.
Implications for the Sports World: The Messi Golden Boot Era Continues
Lionel Messi’s continued success in Major League Soccer, marked by this dominant playoff opener and his Golden Boot triumph, reinforces his status as a transformative figure in American soccer. His record-breaking regular season, which saw him achieve the second-highest goal contributions in MLS history (48 total, with 29 goals and 19 assists) and become the fastest player to reach 50 regular-season goals, underscores his unparalleled skill. The news of his Messi contract extension through 2028 signals a long-term commitment that promises continued excitement for soccer fans in Miami and across the league. This victory not only bolsters Inter Miami’s chances of progressing in the Inter Miami playoffs but also generates considerable buzz and viewership for MLS, highlighting the league’s growing global appeal. The series now shifts to Nashville for Game 2 on November 1st, where Inter Miami will aim to close out the tie, or return home for a decisive Game 3 on November 8th, with the memory of Messi securing the Messi Golden Boot fresh in everyone’s minds. This playoff journey promises to be a captivating chapter in the ongoing story of Lionel Messi’s legendary career in MLS.
