On Friday night, Inter Miami hosted Nashville at Chase Stadium in the first of up to three potential games in the 2025 MLS playoffs, and Lionel Messi once again proved why he’s a cut above the rest. The Argentine superstar delivered a performance for the ages, scoring twice and leading Inter Miami to a commanding 3-0 victory, while etching his name deeper into Major League Soccer’s history books.
The Herons took the lead in the 19th minute when Messi, assisted by Luis Suarez, fired home the opener with his trademark precision. The second half saw Inter Miami extend their advantage, as Tadeo Allende made it 2-0 in the 65th minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint assist from right-back Ian Fray. Then, in the 90th minute, Messi sealed the night with his second goal, a clinical finish that capped a dominant performance and sent the Chase Stadium crowd into a frenzy.
This victory puts Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano, one win away from advancing to the conference semifinals. A loss in the next game would force a decisive third match on November 8th, but with Messi in this form, few would bet against The Herons.
A Record-Shattering Night
At 38, Messi continues to rewrite the record books. His brace against Nashville pushed his goal tally to 39 across all competitions in 2025, surpassing the previous MLS single-year scoring records set by Denis Bouanga (38 goals for LAFC in 2023) and Carlos Vela (38 goals for LAFC in 2019). No player in MLS history has ever reached such heights in a calendar year, cementing Messi’s status as a league-breaking force.
Messi’s 30 goals in the current MLS season (regular season and playoffs combined) place him well ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, both tied at 24. His relentless scoring has also positioned him as a frontrunner for the MLS MVP award. Should he claim it, Messi would make history yet again as the first player to win the award in consecutive seasons.
A Bright Future in Miami
With his contract recently extended through 2028, Messi’s time in MLS is far from over. His partnership with Inter Miami continues to yield jaw-dropping moments, and if Friday’s masterclass is any indication, more records are destined to fall. As The Herons chase playoff glory, the world watches a legend who, even at 38, refuses to slow down. For Messi, breaking the league isn’t just a moment—it’s a habit.