Messi Scores Hat-Trick as Inter Miami Thrash Nashville

Lionel Messi continues to dazzle football fans in the United States, scoring his second hat-trick in Major League Soccer (MLS) as Inter Miami stormed past Nashville SC 5–2 in a thrilling home victory on Sunday night. The Argentine star, who turns 38 next year, proved once again that age is just a number as he orchestrated a dominant performance at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

The match began with high intensity as Inter Miami took control from the opening minutes. Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a perfectly placed left-foot shot after combining neatly with Jordi Alba on the left wing. The goal set the tone for what would become a night to remember for both Messi and the thousands of fans who filled the stands, many waving Argentina flags and pink Miami shirts.

Just ten minutes later, Messi doubled the lead after taking advantage of a defensive error by Nashville’s backline. His quick reactions and calm finish left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The crowd roared as chants of “Messi! Messi!” echoed throughout the stadium.

Despite Inter Miami’s early dominance, Nashville refused to go down quietly. They pulled one back through winger Jacob Shaffelburg in the 25th minute, capitalising on a rare lapse in Miami’s defence. For a short spell, the visitors looked confident, maintaining pressure and earning a few corners. Their efforts were rewarded just before half-time when Hany Mukhtar scored with a curling free-kick, bringing the score level at 2–2 and adding drama to the contest.

However, the second half belonged entirely to Lionel Messi. Within five minutes of the restart, he completed his hat-trick with a stunning curling strike from outside the box — a trademark Messi moment that left fans speechless. It was his second hat-trick since joining MLS, following his three-goal performance against Orlando City earlier in the season.

After the third goal, Inter Miami began to play with confidence and flair. Young star Benjamin Cremaschi and forward Leonardo Campana added two more goals to seal the 5–2 victory. Messi’s influence on the pitch was evident in every attack, as he dictated tempo, supplied key passes, and lifted the team’s morale with his leadership and creativity.

This latest hat-trick takes Messi’s tally to 19 goals in the current MLS season, making him the league’s top scorer. He also contributed 11 assists, reinforcing his reputation as one of the greatest playmakers in football history.

Since arriving at Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has transformed the club’s fortunes. What was once a struggling team now sits at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, eyeing the MLS Cup with confidence. His partnership with ex-Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets has created a familiar and fluid style that fans across Miami adore.

After the match, Messi remained humble, telling reporters: “It feels good to help the team win. We played with joy and worked hard for each other — that’s what matters most.” Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino praised the captain’s dedication, calling him “a true leader who inspires everyone around him.”

Fans flooded social media with admiration, with clips of Messi’s hat-trick trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Many MLS fans described his performance as “vintage Messi,” and football pundits agreed that his presence continues to elevate the league’s global profile.

With this victory, Inter Miami extend their unbeaten run to seven games and maintain their strong position in the playoff race. The next challenge comes against Atlanta United next weekend, where Messi is expected to feature once again.

Nashville, meanwhile, will look to regroup as they prepare to host New York Red Bulls in their forthcoming fixture, hoping to recover from a defeat that exposed their defensive weaknesses.

Inter Miami’s 5–2 victory over Nashville SC not only strengthens their title hopes but also highlights Lionel Messi’s continuing magic on the football pitch. Whether it’s in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, or now in Major League Soccer, Messi’s brilliance remains timeless — a living legend still writing new chapters in his extraordinary story.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies