Highlights: Nashville SC vs Inter Miami CF – Lionel Messi Hat-Trick Fires Miami to 5-2 Win Before Playoffs

Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass as Inter Miami ended their regular season with a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC on October 18, 2025, at Geodis Park. The Argentine icon scored his first hat-trick of the season, added an assist, and sealed the Golden Boot with 29 goals, sending a clear warning to MLS rivals ahead of the playoffs.

Messi’s brilliance turned what began as a tough night into a dominant statement performance. Inter Miami fell behind 2-1 at halftime, but their captain flipped the script in the second half, leading a stunning comeback that leaves Miami among the top contenders for the MLS Cup.

Messi Turns the Game on Its Head Against Nashville

The match began with Nashville SC on the front foot, peppering Miami’s goal with shots and taking the lead through Sam Surridge before Jacob Shaffelburg doubled their advantage just before halftime. Inter Miami looked shaky in defense, but goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo made crucial saves to keep them in contention.

Messi pulled Miami level with a composed finish in the 35th minute, and though Nashville regained their lead, the second half belonged entirely to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. He calmly converted a penalty in the 63rd minute to tie the game, then orchestrated the attack that allowed Baltasar Rodriguez to score the go-ahead goal just four minutes later.

Messi completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute with a trademark moment of individual brilliance and capped off his night by assisting Telasco Segovia’s stoppage-time goal. His final stat line — three goals and an assist — underscores why he remains the most decisive player in world football.

Messi now closes the regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists, leading both categories. His unmatched consistency and influence are why Inter Miami head into the playoffs as one of the most feared teams in MLS.

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs Nashville SC

Lionel Messi – 10/10: Simply unstoppable. Three goals and one assist, dictating every key moment of the match. A vintage Messi performance that changes the title race.

Rocco Rios Novo – 7/10: Made several vital saves in the first half when Nashville dominated. Without him, Miami could have been out of the game early.

Jordi Alba – 6/10: Energetic in attack but offered little defensively. Still a valuable veteran presence in big moments.

Maxi Falcon – 5/10: Beaten too easily on Nashville’s opener. Needs to tighten up heading into the playoffs.

Gonzalo Lujan – 5/10: Struggled with positioning and was replaced early in the second half as Miami sought more stability.

Marcelo Weigandt – 6/10: Defensively solid but lacked accuracy with his crosses going forward.

Baltasar Rodriguez – 7/10: Scored a crucial goal and consistently challenged Nashville’s defense with direct runs.

Rodrigo De Paul – 5/10: Controlled tempo well but lacked physical dominance, particularly early on.

Sergio Busquets – 6/10: A calm, composed performance in midfield with key defensive interventions late on.

Tadeo Allende – 4/10: Missed a golden chance and was lucky to avoid a red card. A night to forget.

Luis Suarez – 7/10: Didn’t score but was central to multiple attacking sequences. Battled through Nashville’s physical defense.

Ian Fray – 7/10: Credited with the assist on Messi’s third, though the magic was all Messi’s.

Telasco Segovia – 8/10: Injected energy and capped off the night with a late goal.

Yannick Bright – 6/10: Added stability in midfield as Miami looked to see out the win.

Tomas Aviles – N/A: Came on late to help secure the result.

Manager Javier Mascherano – 7/10: Adjusted well at halftime to stabilize the team. Once Messi caught fire, his tactical plan fell into place.

What Messi’s Masterclass Means for Miami’s Title Hopes

Inter Miami have already collected silverware in recent seasons, but the MLS Cup remains their ultimate goal. With Messi in peak form entering the postseason, they are the team to beat. His leadership, scoring prowess, and ability to elevate those around him make Miami’s attack nearly unstoppable.

For Nashville, this defeat highlights their defensive vulnerabilities against elite talent. For Miami, it’s a statement victory that builds confidence and momentum ahead of a potentially historic playoff run.

Messi’s hat-trick is not just another personal milestone — it’s a warning to every playoff opponent: Inter Miami are coming, and their captain is inevitable.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How many goals did Lionel Messi score this season?

Messi finished the regular season with 29 goals, securing the MLS Golden Boot for 2025.

Q2: When do the MLS playoffs start?

The MLS playoffs begin later this week, with Inter Miami entering as one of the top seeds.

Q3: What was the final score between Nashville SC and Inter Miami?

Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 5-2 at Geodis Park on October 18, 2025.

Q4: Did Messi provide any assists in the game?

Yes, Messi not only scored a hat-trick but also assisted Telasco Segovia’s stoppage-time goal.

Q5: What record did Messi achieve with this performance?

This was Messi’s first hat-trick of the 2025 MLS season, cementing his Golden Boot lead and sending Miami into the playoffs in top form.