Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass on Saturday, netting a sensational hat-trick to claim Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot and propel Inter Miami into the playoffs with a commanding 5-2 win over Nashville SC.
The Argentine icon finished the regular season with 29 goals in 28 matches, edging out LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who both ended with 24 goals. It marks Messi’s first MLS Golden Boot and bolsters his case for back-to-back MVP honours.
Inter Miami’s victory secured third place in the Eastern Conference, setting up a first-round MLS Cup playoff rematch with Nashville on October 24.
Messi magic
“What can I say about Leo?” said Inter head coach Javier Mascherano. “He was exceptional, as always. Surely he’ll be named MVP again for what he’s shown this season. I’m happy for him—once more, he led us to victory.”
Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box after receiving a pass from Jordi Alba. Nashville hit back quickly, with Surridge heading in Hany Mukhtar’s cross to level at 1-1.
Just before halftime, Jacob Shaffelburg put the visitors ahead, pouncing on a rebound after Mukhtar’s effort struck the post.
But Messi inspired a second-half comeback. He coolly converted a penalty in the 63rd minute—his first of the season—after a handball by Mukhtar.
Baltasar Rodriguez made it 3-2 in the 67th before Messi curled in his third of the night in the 81st, completing his hat-trick with a clinical finish through a crowded box. Telasco Segovia added a fifth in stoppage time to cap off a dominant second half.
“A great level”
“In the first half, we lacked intensity and ideas,” Mascherano admitted. “But in the second, we played in their half, took more risks, and finished at a great level.”
In the Western Conference, expansion side San Diego FC clinched the top seed in stunning fashion. Their 4-0 rout of the Portland Timbers, combined with Vancouver’s 2-1 loss to Dallas, left both teams tied on 63 points, but San Diego edged ahead on goal difference—completing the best debut regular season in MLS history.
Amahl Pellegrino and Anders Dreyer each scored twice for San Diego, while Dallas sealed their playoff spot with goals from Osaze Urhoghide and Kaick. Despite Thomas Mueller converting a penalty, Vancouver—down to 10 men after a red card to Mathias Laborda in the 11th minute—couldn’t recover.
Dallas and Vancouver will meet again in the playoffs.
Real Salt Lake also punched their playoff ticket with a 2-2 draw at St. Louis, helped by LAFC’s draw with Colorado.
AFP
