Messi’s Hat-Trick Secures Golden Boot and Propels Inter Miami into the MLS Playoffs
On Saturday, Lionel Messi showcased his extraordinary talent by netting a hat-trick that not only earned him the coveted MLS Golden Boot but also led Inter Miami to a commanding 5-2 triumph over Nashville SC, securing their place in the postseason.
Messi wrapped up the regular season with an outstanding tally of 29 goals across 28 matches. Trailing him were Denis Bouanga from Los Angeles FC and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, both finishing with 24 goals apiece.
This remarkable feat not only marked Messi’s inaugural MLS Golden Boot but also bolstered his campaign for a consecutive Most Valuable Player award, highlighting his pivotal role in Inter Miami’s success.
Thanks to this victory, Inter Miami secured third place in the Eastern Conference, setting up a first-round playoff showdown against Nashville SC on October 24.
Coach Mascherano Praises Messi’s Influence
Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, lauded Messi’s exceptional display, stating, “What more can be said about Leo? He was phenomenal today, as he consistently is. His performance clearly justifies the MVP recognition. I’m delighted for him because once again, he has been the cornerstone of our triumph.”
The match began with Nashville squandering several early chances before Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute. Following a precise assist from Jordi Alba, Messi executed a deft turn and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Nashville quickly retaliated nine minutes later when Sam Surridge headed in a perfect cross from Hany Mukhtar, marking his 24th goal of the campaign. The visitors then seized a 2-1 lead just before halftime as Jacob Shaffelburg capitalized on a rebound after Mukhtar’s shot struck the post.
Inter Miami equalized in the 63rd minute when Messi calmly converted his first penalty of the season, awarded after a deflected Luis Suarez shot that struck Mukhtar’s arm. Messi’s composed finish beat Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis.
Baltasar Rodriguez put Miami ahead 3-2 in the 67th minute, and Messi completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute by curling a shot through a congested penalty area past a helpless Willis. Telasco Segovia wrapped up the emphatic 5-2 victory with a stoppage-time goal.
Western Conference Playoff Picture Comes Into Focus
The final day of the regular season also delivered thrilling developments in the Western Conference. Expansion side San Diego FC clinched the top seed, narrowly edging out Thomas Mueller’s Vancouver Whitecaps.
San Diego’s commanding 4-0 win over the Portland Timbers, combined with Vancouver’s 2-1 defeat to FC Dallas, left both teams level on 63 points. However, San Diego claimed the top spot through tiebreakers.
Amahl Pellegrino and Anders Dreyer each scored twice for San Diego, capping off the most successful debut season in MLS history.
FC Dallas secured one of the final playoff spots with their victory in Vancouver, thanks to goals from Osaze Urhoghide and Kaick. Despite Thomas Mueller converting a penalty for the Whitecaps, Vancouver played most of the match with ten men after Mathias Laborda was sent off in the 11th minute. Dallas and Vancouver will now face off in the opening round of the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake confirmed their postseason berth with a 2-2 draw against St. Louis, a result that sufficed after the Colorado Rapids also drew 2-2 with Los Angeles FC.