Lionel Messi once again proved the difference for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on Friday night to give his side a 1-0 advantage in their first-round MLS playoff series. The Argentine, who was presented with the 2025 MLS Golden Boot before kickoff-an award he earned after topping the league's scoring chart with 29 goals -wasted little time showing why he's still the game's biggest name.
The forward has been in unstoppable form lately, netting a hat-trick just six days earlier against the same opponent on the final matchday of the regular season. The night carried an extra layer of celebration after Inter Miami confirmed Messi's new three-year contract extension, keeping him in Florida until 2028, as reported by Softfootball .
If there was any pressure, Messi didn't show it. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute, leaping to head home a perfectly measured cross from Luis Suarez after a clever buildup involving Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul. That goal sent the home fans into a roar and gave Miami the platform they needed to control the match.