Video: Lionel Messi nets hat-trick for Inter Miami vs Nashville SC on MLS Decision Day
Inter Miami beat Nashville SC 5-2 on MLS Decision Day, and Lionel Messi put on a magical display with a hat-trick—scoring once in the first half and adding two more after the break.
With their playoff spot secured long ago, the importance of Saturday’s match for the Herons is tied to trying to claim second place in the Eastern Conference standings, aiming for better positioning in the postseason. For the hosts, however, the goal is to avoid the play-in round.
In the opening minutes, Nashville clearly dominated and created several scoring chances that Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar couldn’t convert, either due to inaccuracy or strong saves by goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
In that context, Lionel Messi stepped up to help Inter Miami when they needed him most. In the 34th minute, the Argentine forward received the ball in the attacking half, left two Nashville defenders behind, and unleashed a precise shot from outside the box that left goalkeeper Joe Willis with no chance.
The joy was short-lived for Inter Miami
After taking the lead thanks to Messi’s brilliance, Inter Miami came close to extending their advantage on two occasions. First, Baltasar Rodriguez had a clear chance but his shot lacked precision. Then, Tadeo Allende scored, but his goal was disallowed by the assistant referee for offside.
Just as it seemed the Herons were settling into the game and justifying the scoreline, Nashville found the equalizer. In the 43rd minute, Mukhtar assisted Surridge, who scored with a header. A few minutes later, Jacob Shaffelburg capitalized on a rebound after a shot from Mukhtar hit the post, scoring the 2-1 that ended the first half.
Messi scores from the penalty spot
After the break, both teams shifted their approach. Nashville appeared more content with the score and gave up the initiative, leaving Inter Miami in control of possession.
In that scenario, a handball inside the box gave Messi the chance to equalize in the 63rd minute. He didn’t miss, calmly converting with a soft left-footed shot that the goalkeeper couldn’t stop. And just moments later, Baltasar Rodriguez scored to put Inter Miami up 3–2.
Messi’s hat-trick
With the match under control, Inter Miami took command of possession and found a fourth goal through Lionel Messi. In the 81st minute, Leo received the ball from Telasco Segovia, combined with Ian Fray, and then fired a brilliant left-footed shot that tucked inside the far post.