Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami CF defeated Nashville SC 3-1 on Friday in the opening match of their MLS Cup play-off series, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three first round.
The 38-year-old Argentina forward, who signed a new three-year contract this week, was presented with the MLS Golden Boot as the regular season’s top scorer before the match.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber lauded the star, stating Messi has “reset the trajectory for Major League Soccer.”
Messi opened the scoring with a diving header in the 19th minute, assisted by Luis Suárez. Tadeo Allende added a second in the 62nd minute.
Messi secured the victory in stoppage time (90’+6) before Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar pulled one back late (90’+11).
Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano, is now chasing the MLS Cup—the one major trophy that has eluded the franchise—after winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.
Game two is scheduled for November 1 in Nashville.
