For the second straight season, Lionel Messi finished on a high note by scoring a hat trick as Inter Miami triumphed over Nashville SC with a score of 5-2 on Saturday night. As FC Cincinnati secured a win on Decision Day, Inter Miami cannot surpass third place in the Eastern Conference, leading to a rematch against Nashville in the first round of the playoffs.
With Messi’s hat trick and Sam Surridge scoring for Nashville, this playoff series promises to be thrilling. Not only has Messi likely secured the Golden Boot with 29 goals this season (with Denis Bouanga at 24 for Los Angeles FC), but he is also en route to winning his second consecutive league MVP award with his 19 assists contributing to an outstanding performance.
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The season for Miami has not gone perfectly as they are yet to claim a trophy, but a success in the MLS Cup could change the narrative for coach Javier Mascherano and the team. After being eliminated by Atlanta United last season, beating Nashville will be crucial for momentum.
Messi鈥檚 performance will be vital as Miami aims to give fellow teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba a fitting farewell. Having faced Nashville six times since 2024, the stakes are high with a history of competitive matches between the two teams.
The first round of the MLS Cup playoffs is scheduled from October 24 to November 9, during which both teams will have time to rest. Miami will host the first and last match, with Nashville hosting the crucial middle game, as they compete for two wins to advance to the conference semifinals.
