MIAMI
Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass, scoring his 60th career hat-trick as Inter Miami routed Nashville SC 5-2 in their final regular-season game on Saturday. The Argentine legend’s brilliance guided Miami to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, capping a dominant display that reaffirmed his status as Major League Soccer’s standout star.
Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a trademark left-footed strike from outside the box after a slick exchange with Jordi Alba. He then converted his first penalty of the season in the 63rd minute, following a handball by Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar, before completing his hat-trick in the 81st minute with a curling shot that left the goalkeeper rooted.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now has 29 goals and 19 assists in 27 matches, virtually securing the MLS Golden Boot and strengthening his claim for a second straight MVP award. He nearly added a fourth in stoppage time, unselfishly setting up teammate Segovia instead.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s impact, calling him “exceptional as always” and backed him for the league’s top individual honor. “Surely he will be awarded the Most Valuable Player award for what he has demonstrated,” Mascherano said.
Messi’s latest heroics brought his career tally to 60 hat-tricks — yet another milestone in his illustrious journey. With 48 goal contributions this season, he remains the driving force behind Miami’s resurgence and a defining figure in MLS’s growing global appeal.