MIAMI, FL – Inter Miami CF concluded their 2025 Major League Soccer regular season with a commanding 5-2 victory over Nashville SC on MLS Decision Day, a performance highlighted by a stellar hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi that not only sealed a crucial win but also clinched him the coveted MLS Golden Boot award. The thrilling finale at GEODIS Park capped off a season of remarkable individual achievements for Messi and strong team performances, setting the stage for a highly anticipated playoff rematch against the same Nashville side.
Decision Day Brilliance and a Comeback Victory
MLS Decision Day, the league’s traditional curtain-raiser to the postseason, saw Inter Miami face Nashville SC with playoff seeding on the line. While both teams had already secured their playoff berths, the final standings and individual accolades were still to be decided. The match itself proved to be a dramatic affair, with Nashville SC taking an early 2-0 lead in the first half through goals from Sam Surridge and Jacob Shaffelburg. However, Inter Miami demonstrated their resilience, mounting a significant comeback in the second half.
The tide turned in the 63rd minute when Lionel Messi converted a penalty, narrowing the deficit and igniting Miami’s charge. Just minutes later, Baltasar Rodríguez pounced on a rebound to equalize, before Telasco Segovia put Miami ahead in stoppage time after a well-worked move involving Messi. The 5-2 scoreline, sealed by Messi’s clinical finishing, marked a dominant end to the regular season for the South Florida club. The team’s offensive output throughout the season was noteworthy, as they amassed 81 goals, becoming only the third team in MLS history to surpass the 80-goal mark in a single regular season. This attacking prowess has been a trending topic for the team this season.
Messi’s Golden Boot Triumph and Historic Milestones
The undisputed star of Decision Day was Lionel Messi. His three goals against Nashville not only secured the match victory but also propelled him to the top of the MLS scoring charts, earning him the 2025 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi. Messi finished the regular season with an outstanding 29 goals in 28 appearances, outpacing closest competitors Denis Bouanga of LAFC and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge, who both scored 24 goals.
Messi’s season was a testament to his enduring brilliance, culminating in a campaign that saw him register 19 assists to go along with his 29 goals, tallying 48 goal contributions. This remarkable figure ranks second all-time in MLS history for a single regular season, narrowly trailing Carlos Vela’s 49 contributions in 2019. Further cementing his legacy, Messi set a new MLS record with 28 non-penalty goals and became the first player in league history to record 10 multi-goal games in a single season. He also achieved the milestone of becoming the fastest player to 50 regular-season goals, doing so in just 53 appearances. This individual success has been a major headline across the sports world.
Playoff Picture and Playoff Rematch
With the regular season concluded, Inter Miami CF secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference. This placement sets up a first-round Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoff series against the sixth-seeded Nashville SC, offering an immediate opportunity for a rematch and a chance to advance in the championship hunt. The playoff series will adopt a best-of-three format, with Inter Miami holding home-field advantage for Game 1 and potentially Game 3.
The team’s strong finish, coupled with Messi’s historic individual performance, has generated significant buzz and optimism around Miami. Coach Javier Mascherano alluded to Messi’s exceptional regular season, suggesting he is a strong candidate for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, potentially making him the league’s first back-to-back MVP winner. The news surrounding Messi’s achievements and Inter Miami’s playoff positioning is currently trending, reflecting the team’s impact on the league.
The club now turns its focus to the MLS Cup Playoffs, aiming to translate their record-breaking offensive capabilities and Messi’s unparalleled individual form into postseason success. The journey to MLS Cup begins with the familiar challenge of overcoming Nashville SC in what promises to be a fiercely contested series.
