Buckle up for one of the most electric finishes to the MLS regular season! The Nashville vs. Inter Miami match delivered pure fireworks on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as Lionel Messi turned Geodis Park into his personal playground. With the Golden Boot and MVP on the line, the Herons soared to a thrilling 5-2 victory, thanks to Messi’s stunning hat-trick. If you’re a soccer fan craving high-stakes drama, this clash had it all—goals, comebacks, and a legend rewriting records. Let’s dive in!
Match Preview and Stakes
Decision Day couldn’t have scripted a bigger stage. Inter Miami, already locked into the playoffs, rolled into Nashville chasing second place in the Eastern Conference and a shot at home-field advantage. A win here, paired with a slip-up from FC Cincinnati, would seal the deal. For Nashville SC, it was do-or-die for a top-seven seed and direct playoff entry. But all eyes were on Messi, entering with 26 goals and 18 assists—leading the league and eyeing records. Coach Javier Mascherano called it: Messi’s impact goes way beyond the numbers; he’s the heartbeat of the team and a joy to watch.
Live Updates and Thrilling Highlights
From the opening whistle, the energy was off the charts. Messi struck first in the 34th minute, weaving past two defenders and rifling a beauty from outside the box to make it 1-0—his 27th goal of the season. Nashville fired back before halftime: Sam Surridge headed home in the 43rd to tie it at 1-1, then Jacob Shaffelburg tapped in a rebound off the post in stoppage time for a 2-1 lead.
The second half? Pure chaos. Messi leveled it from the spot in the 63rd after a handball call, his cool-as-ice finish making it 2-2 and bumping him to 28 goals. Baltasar Rodríguez put Miami ahead 3-2 four minutes later with a slick finish. Surridge pulled one back for Nashville, but Messi sealed his hat-trick—and the win—in the 81st with a clinical strike, followed by Telasco Segovia’s 90+1′ dagger for the 5-2 final. What a rollercoaster!
Golden Boot and MVP Race Breakdown
Messi’s triple didn’t just win the game—it locked up the Golden Boot. He finished with 29 goals, edging out Surridge (24) and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (tied at 24 entering the day). Add his 18 assists (tied for tops), and his 47 goal contributions smashed toward Carlos Vela’s 2019 record of 49. For MVP? Mascherano nailed it: Messi’s stats are elite, but his leadership and flair make him untouchable. He’s the frontrunner, outshining challengers like Bouanga, San Diego’s Andres Dreyer, Cincinnati’s Evander, and even Surridge.
Standout Performers on the Night
Messi was the undisputed king, notching three goals and an assist on Segovia’s clincher—his vision sparking Miami’s comeback. Luis Suárez pulled strings upfront, while Rodríguez and Segovia cashed in on the chances. For Nashville, Surridge’s brace kept his Boot hopes alive but bittersweet, and Shaffelburg’s late first-half magic showed their fight. Hatem Mukhtar’s shot off the post nearly flipped the script early.
Why This Nashville vs. Inter Miami Match Delivered
Inter Miami’s resilience shone through—they trailed at the break but owned 62% possession in the second half, firing off chances with Messi’s magic touch. Nashville pushed hard for that playoff security, but Miami’s star power proved too much. This win vaults the Herons to second in the East, setting up a dream playoff path.
🪄 ¡Hat-trick de Messi!
GOOOOOL de catogoría del 🐐 de @InterMiamiCF.
El argentino anota su gol número 29 y sigue aumentado su ventaja en busca del Botín de Oro pres. por Audi. pic.twitter.com/IrvpuMdDz8
— MLS Español (@MLSes) October 19, 2025
How to Catch the Action
Relive the magic or stream future MLS thrills via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV—no blackouts, all the highlights. Kickoff was at 6 p.m. ET from Geodis Park, but with playoffs looming, now’s the time to subscribe.
Related Search Questions and Answers
What was the final score of the Nashville vs. Inter Miami match?
Inter Miami dominated with a 5-2 comeback win, thanks to Messi’s heroics.
Did Lionel Messi score in the Nashville vs. Inter Miami game?
Absolutely—Messi bagged a hat-trick (34′, 63′ pen, 81′), pushing his season total to 29 goals.
Who won the MLS Golden Boot in 2025?
Lionel Messi clinched it with 29 goals, ahead of Sam Surridge and Denis Bouanga at 24 each.
Where can I watch highlights from the Nashville vs. Inter Miami match?
Check MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or official MLS social channels for full recaps.
Is Messi the MVP favorite after the Nashville vs. Inter Miami game?
Hands down—his stats and impact make him the lock, as echoed by coach Mascherano.
What are Inter Miami’s playoff chances post-Nashville match?
They snagged second in the East, earning home-field edge for a strong Cup run.
Conclusion
The Nashville vs. Inter Miami match was a fitting cap to the 2025 MLS regular season—a goal-fest where Messi’s brilliance turned the tide and etched his name deeper into league lore. From trailing at halftime to a commanding 5-2 rout, the Herons showed why they’re contenders, all powered by the GOAT’s unmatched flair. As playoffs heat up, Messi’s Golden Boot and MVP hardware feel inevitable, promising more magic ahead. Soccer fans, what a ride—here’s to the postseason chaos!