Messi Scores Hat Trick as Inter Miami Defeats Nashville SC 5-2, Sets Up Playoff Rematch
Inter Miami secured a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC yesterday at GEODIS Park, a result that establishes a first-round MLS Cup playoff rematch between the two teams.
Lionel Messi spearheaded the comeback, scoring a hat trick and adding an assist on a goal by Baltasar RodrÃguez, bringing his regular season goal contributions to 48. The win secured the third seed for Inter Miami due to FC Cincinnati’s concurrent victory over CF Montréal. This momentum-building win positions Inter Miami as strong contenders for the championship, with the ultimate prize to be decided on December 6.
Despite an early struggle, Messi’s first goal came in the 35th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. He then converted a penalty in the 64th minute after a handball call against Nashville’s Andy Nájar, and completed his hat trick in the 81st minute. He capped off his performance with an assist to Telasco Segovia in stoppage time. Nashville initially took the lead through goals from Sam Surridge and Jacob Shaffelburg, but Inter Miami’s late surge proved decisive. Goalkeeper Rocco RÃos Novo made five saves, solidifying his position as the preferred starter heading into the postseason, a recent shift made by manager Javier Mascherano. You can find more information about the MLS Cup Playoffs on the official league website.
Surridge finished the season with 24 goals, just shy of the Golden Boot lead, while Messi came within one goal contribution of Carlos Vela’s all-time MLS record. This playoff matchup will be a highly anticipated contest, given the stakes and the recent history between these two clubs.
Both teams will now prepare for their best-of-three series in the first round of the playoffs, with Inter Miami entering as favorites.
