Messi's Second MLS Hat Trick Leads Inter Miami Past Nashville 5-2

When Lionel Messi, the 38‑year‑old Argentine forward, stepped onto the pitch at GEODIS Park on October 18, 2025, everyone knew the night could turn historic. Inter Miami CF were chasing a third‑place finish in the 2025 MLS Regular SeasonNashville, Tennessee, while Nashville SC fought to lock down the final playoff seed. By the final whistle, Messi had completed his second MLS hat trick, and the scoreboard read 5‑2 in Miami’s favour – a result that instantly set up a first‑round, best‑of‑three playoff rematch.

Season Finale Sets the Stage

Both clubs entered the match with very different narratives. Nashville, sitting sixth with a 16‑6‑12 record and 54 points, needed a win to avoid slipping into a lower seed. Inter Miami, meanwhile, were solidly perched third at 19‑8‑7 and 65 points, already guaranteed a home‑field advantage in the opening round. The contrast in possession – Miami enjoyed roughly 60% to Nashville’s 40% – hinted at the tactical battle to come.

Goal‑by‑Goal Breakdown

The drama unfolded in four distinct acts. Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute, slotting a low‑drive from the edge of the box that left goalkeeper Joe Willis sprawling. Six minutes later, Sam Surridge (Nashville’s English striker) equalised with a crisp header, only for Jacob Shaffelburg (Canada) to fire a stoppage‑time finish (45'+6") that put the home side ahead 2‑1 at the break.

Back on the front foot, Messi restored parity in the 63rd minute, this time from the penalty spot after a clumsy challenge on his teammate. The Argentine then took matters into his own hands, curling a free‑kick in the 81st minute that curled past Willis for his third of the night. Inter Miami’s quiet finish came from Telasco Segovia, who tapped in the 90'+1" winner as the stadium erupted.

Key Performances and Stats

• Messi’s hat trick marks his second in MLS, joining the elite company of only a handful of players to achieve the feat.
• Baltasar Rodríguez (Uruguay) added an equaliser in the 67th minute, keeping Miami’s attack fluid.
• Inter Miami recorded 91% pass accuracy and 3.48 expected goals (xG) compared with Nashville’s 3.10 xG.
• Nashville’s Sam Surridge finished the regular season with 24 goals, the league’s second‑highest tally.
• The match featured 32 shots, 12 on target, and 10 fouls, underscoring the physical intensity of a season‑ender.

Reactions from Coaches and Players

Miami’s head coach, Jorge Sampaoli, praised Messi’s composure: “He knows when to strike. Those three minutes – 34, 63, 81 – changed everything for us.” Nashville’s manager, Gary Smith, acknowledged the disappointment but stayed optimistic: “We gave the fans a fight. Surridge’s goal was brilliant, and we’ll regroup for the playoffs.”

Messi, subbed off in the 56th minute after his hat trick, later said in a post‑match interview, “I love the energy here. Every time I step onto the field, I want to give the fans something special.”

What the Result Means for the Playoffs

With the regular season wrapped, the two clubs now face each other in the opening round of the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. Miami’s third‑place finish secures them a home‑field advantage for the first two games, meaning Nashville must book a win in Nashville’s GEODIS Park before they can force a decisive Game 3. The quick turnaround – just a few days between matches – adds a tactical twist: both coaches will likely tweak line‑ups, especially after Miami’s early substitution of Messi for Julián Álvarez at halftime.

Experts from Sports Illustrated predict a tight series. Their season‑end rating gave Messi a perfect 10 for the night, while Nashville’s defense, ranked 12th in the league for goals‑against, will need to tighten up if they hope to stifle Miami’s high‑pressing style.

Historical Context: Messi in MLS

Messi’s arrival in 2023 sparked a wave of interest in the league, boosting average attendance by 12% in 2024. His first MLS hat trick came last season against Austin FC, and this second one reinforces his status as a transformative figure in American soccer. The Argentine’s presence has also accelerated youth enrollment, with MLS academies reporting a 9% rise in trial applications since his debut.

Beyond the numbers, Messi’s influence extends to market value. Inter Miami’s franchise valuation jumped from $2.3 billion to an estimated $2.8 billion after his first season, highlighting the commercial ripple effect of a global superstar in a growing league.

Key Facts

• Event: Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC – MLS regular‑season finale
• Date: October 18, 2025 (7:00 pm CDT)
• Location: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
• Final Score: Inter Miami CF 5, Nashville SC 2
• Hat‑trick Hero: Lionel Messi (34', 63' pen, 81')