Messi’s MLS Hat-Trick Sparks Inter Miami’s Playoff Push and Near-Golden Boot Finish

Match Report

Argentina's Lionel Messi, Inter Miami's star, guided his side to a 5-2 win over Nashville on Saturday and pushed them into knockout rounds, his hat-trick bringing him closer to clinching Golden Boot.

The Argentine star entered the league's final day as the top scorer with 26 goals, two ahead of Gabonese Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC today.

But the 2022 World Cup winner finished the day with 29 goals in 28 matches, closing in on his first MLS Golden Boot, while also boosting his chances of a second Player of the Year award after a stellar display helped Miami finish third in the Eastern Conference this season.

Inter Miami will meet the same Nashville side in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, which begin on October 24 there.

Inter Miami coach, Argentine Javier Mascherano, said, 'What can I say about Lio? He was exceptional today, as always, and will likely win the season's Player of the Year for all he has produced'.

Mascherano then added, 'I'm happy for him, as he again helped us win tonight for the loyal fans'.

Messi put Inter ahead with a superb long-range strike (35), but Englishman Sam Surridge equalized with a header (43) before Canadian Jacob Shaffelburg doubled the lead (45+6).

And the Argentine captain equalized from a penalty (63) before his compatriot Baltazar Rodríguez added the third (67) and Messi capped the hat-trick with a strike from inside the area (81), then Venezuelan substitute Telasco Segovia completed the five (90+1).

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Punchlines: If Messi keeps this up, the MLS season might need a longer calendar and a bigger trophy room. Also, the only thing louder than the crowd tonight might be Messi’s encore when the referee asks for a replay.