Argentine icon Lionel Messi netted two goals to propel Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Nashville SC on Friday in the first match of their MLS Cup playoff series.
Tadeo Allende also found the net for Inter, giving them a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series, with the second game scheduled in Nashville on November 1.
The eight-time Ballon dOr recipient Messi received the Golden Boot award before kickoff after leading the regular-season scoring with 29 goals in 28 matches. He quickly showcased his scoring prowess, putting Miami ahead 1-0 with a diving header off a pass from Luis Suarez in the 19th minute.