For the second consecutive season, Lionel Messi has concluded the regular campaign on a remarkable note, netting a hat trick as Inter Miami achieved a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night. Though FC Cincinnati also claimed a win, preventing Miami from moving beyond third in the Eastern Conference, it sets the stage for a playoff rematch against Nashville in a best-of-three series.
With Messi’s stellar performance, he is likely to secure the Golden Boot with his 29th goal of the season, while also inching closer to winning a second straight league MVP title thanks to his remarkable 19 assists this season. This contribution is one of the best single-season goal tallies, trailing only Carlos Vela’s record in 2019.

MESSI HAT TRICK 🎩🎩🎩 pic.twitter.com/8UUpchR956
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 19, 2025
The season hasn’t unfolded as Miami anticipated, but a victory in the MLS Cup would salvage their efforts. Following a first-round exit in the previous MLS Cup playoffs against Atlanta United, advancement beyond Nashville will be essential to the team’s aspirations. Both Messi and his teammates, including Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, will strive for a triumphant ending to their chapter with the club before retirement.

The initial round of the MLS Cup playoffs is scheduled from October 24 to November 9, granting both teams a brief respite. The series will see Miami hosting the first and final matches, while the middle game will take place in Nashville, with the first team to achieve two wins progressing to the conference semifinals.