Lionel Messi bagged a sensational hat-trick on Saturday to secure the MLS Golden Boot and propel Inter Miami into the playoffs with a dominant 5–2 win over Nashville SC.
The Argentine legend capped off the regular season with 29 goals in 28 matches, finishing ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who both tallied 24.
It marks Messi’s first MLS Golden Boot and strengthens his case for a second consecutive Most Valuable Player award after leading Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference. The team will now face Nashville again in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting October 24.
“What can I say about Leo?” said Inter coach Javier Mascherano. “He was exceptional, as always. Surely, he deserves the MVP award for what he’s shown this season. I’m happy for him—he’s helped us win yet again.”
Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a trademark left-footed strike from outside the box after combining with Jordi Alba. Nashville levelled through Surridge in the 43rd, before Jacob Shaffelburg put them ahead just before halftime.
In the 63rd minute, Messi coolly converted from the penalty spot after Hany Mukhtar handled in the box, drawing Miami level. Baltasar Rodriguez then restored Miami’s lead four minutes later, and Messi sealed his hat-trick in the 81st with a curling finish that left keeper Joe Willis stranded.
Telasco Segovia added a fifth in stoppage time to complete a statement win for Miami.
“In the first half, we lacked intensity and ideas,” Mascherano admitted. “But in the second half, we took more risks, played higher up, and finished at a great level.”
Elsewhere, San Diego FC clinched the Western Conference top seed in their debut season with a 4–0 win over Portland, edging Vancouver Whitecaps on a tiebreak after the Canadians fell 2–1 to Dallas.
Amahl Pellegrino and Anders Dreyer each netted twice for San Diego, capping the best regular-season campaign ever by an expansion team. Dallas’ victory, powered by goals from Osaze Urhoghide and Kaick, secured their playoff spot, while Vancouver—who played with 10 men from the 11th minute after Mathias Laborda’s red card—will meet Dallas again in the postseason.
Real Salt Lake also clinched a playoff berth following a 2–2 draw with St. Louis, as Colorado’s 2–2 stalemate with LAFC confirmed their place in the knockout rounds.
