Lionel Messi has done it again. On the final day of the 2025 MLS regular season, the Argentinian icon delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a brilliant hat trick and adding an assist in Inter Miami’s 5-2 win over Nashville SC. With the league watching closely ahead of the playoffs, Messi didn’t just clinch the MLS Golden Boot — he made a resounding statement in the MVP race.
Playing away at Geodis Park, Messi struck first in the 34th minute with a trademark left-footed strike from outside the box, curling the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner. It was vintage Messi, the kind of effortless magic that has defined his legendary career. Yet he wasn’t finished.
After Nashville briefly turned the game around, Messi equalized from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute — surprisingly, his first MLS penalty goal of the year. Then, in the 81st minute, he completed his second-ever MLS hat trick, calmly finishing inside the box to give Miami control. Before the final whistle, he unselfishly assisted Telasco Segovia for the fifth goal, wrapping up a historic night with four total goal contributions.
With 29 goals and 19 assists in just 28 games, Messi ends the 2025 regular season leading the league in both scoring and playmaking. His 48 total goal contributions put him just one short of Carlos Vela’s all-time MLS single-season record of 49 — and now, he’ll get the chance to break it in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Golden Boot Race: Messi vs Surridge vs Bouanga
Entering Decision Day, the MLS Golden Boot race was tight. Nashville’s Sam Surridge had 23 goals, and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga had 24. Both were hoping to chase Messi down. Surridge scored once against Miami, but Messi simply pulled away. With three goals, he finished comfortably on top with 29, securing his first MLS Golden Boot.
Top Golden Boot Finishers (2025 Regular Season):
Lionel Messi with 29 goals (Inter Miami)
Sam Surridge with 24 goals (Nashville SC)
Denis Bouanga scoring 24 goals (LAFC)
MVP Race: Is There Even a Debate?
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano summed it up perfectly: “If anyone had any doubts, he’s dispelled them. Messi is the Most Valuable Player.” While players like Bouanga, Evander, and Andres Dreyer had strong seasons, nobody came close to Messi’s impact both statistically and culturally.
MLS isn’t just watching greatness — it’s experiencing a transformation. Attendance spikes, global broadcast interest, and ticket prices skyrocketing every time Inter Miami travels all point to one thing: Messi isn’t just winning awards; he’s redefining soccer in America.
Playoff Outlook: Miami vs Nashville — Again
Here’s the twist: this isn’t the end. Inter Miami finished No. 3 in the Eastern Conference, setting up a best-of-three playoff clash against Nashville, the same team Messi just torched. The rematch begins at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on October 24, and Nashville’s defense will be scrambling for answers.
Messi’s record in elimination matches is legendary. With Miami now firing on all cylinders, they enter the postseason as one of the most feared teams in the league.
USA Today Contributed to this Report.