Messi’s Hat‑Trick Powers Inter Miami Over Nashville SC on Decision Day

When Lionel Messi, the 38‑year‑old Argentine forward for Inter Miami CF, netted a hat‑trick at GEODIS Park on Decision Day, the MLS regular season closed with a bang. The 5‑2 victory over Nashville Soccer Club (Nashville SC) locked the South Florida side into third place in the Eastern Conference and set up an immediate first‑round playoff rematch.

Season‑Ending Stakes

Saturday, October 18, 2025, was the final Saturday of a marathon 34‑match schedule for both clubs. Nashville SC entered the match with 54 points (16‑12‑6), a respectable tally but far short of the top‑three spots they flirted with during a mid‑season surge. Inter Miami, by contrast, had climbed to 65 points (19‑7‑6) after a grueling 27‑game stretch in just 100 days following the FIFA Club World Cup. The difference of just eleven points kept Miami within a single point of the Supporters’ Shield winner, Philadelphia Union.

Match Highlights and Key Moments

The game unfolded like a roller‑coaster. At the 22‑minute mark, Tadeo Allende (Inter Miami) drew a yellow card, a reminder that tempers were already heating up. Then Messi struck first, slotting home a 34‑minute finish after a clever assist from veteran Spanish defender Jordi Alba. The ball curled past Joe Willis, Nashville’s goalkeeper, and the stadium erupted.

34' – Messi (assist: Jordi Alba)
43' – Sam Surridge (assist: Hany Mukhtar)
45+6' – Jacob Shaffelburg (assisted by teammate)
63' – Messi (penalty)
67' – Baltasar Rodriguez
81' – Messi (assist: Ian Fray)
90+1' – Telasco Segovia (assist: Messi and Fray)

Between the first and second halves, Nashville tried to claw back. Surridge’s 43‑minute strike, a low‑driven finish from a Mukhtar through‑ball, gave the home side a 2‑1 foothold. Just two minutes later, Shaffelburg’s late‑first‑half effort made it 2‑2, but the momentum had already shifted.

Messi’s second goal came from the spot after a handball in the box. The penalty, calmly slotted at 63 minutes, re‑established Miami’s lead. A yellow card for Nashville captain Mukhtar (64’) hinted at growing frustration, and by the 81st minute Messi completed his hat‑trick, turning a one‑goal margin into a three‑goal comfortable lead.

Player Performances That Stood Out

Beyond Messi’s brilliance, several individual stories emerged. Eddi Tagseth, Nashville’s tireless Norwegian midfielder, covered a staggering 7.02 miles (11.30 km), the most of any player on the pitch. His work rate exemplified the club’s late‑season hustle, even though the result didn’t go their way.

Inter Miami’s young American midfielder Ian Fray, at just 22, added two assists, showcasing why he’s being tipped as a future MLS mainstay. Meanwhile, veteran defender Walker Zimmerman (Nashville) marshaled the back line, but a leaky defense allowed Miami’s late‑game surge.

Substitutions played a tactical role. Miami brought on Gastón Brugman at 73 minutes, injecting fresh legs in midfield, while Nashville swapped Shaffelburg for New Zealander Tyler Boyd in an attempt to spark a comeback.

Implications for the Playoffs

The win cemented Inter Miami’s third‑seed status, meaning they’ll host Nashville SC in a single‑elimination first‑round clash. For Nashville, the loss confirmed a slide from the upper‑half of the table to a sixth‑place finish, a position they briefly held after a mid‑season run with mukhtar‑Surridge dueling up front.

What makes the upcoming playoff meeting especially intriguing is the tactical déjà vu. Miami will have the psychological edge of a fresh hat‑trick hero, while Nashville knows they can breach Miami’s defense, as seen in the early‑second‑half goals. The two teams are also just days apart on the schedule, leaving little time for coaches to make major adjustments.

Looking Ahead

Beyond the immediate playoff picture, the season’s end raises broader questions about roster building. Nashville’s front office may now consider bolstering defensive depth, given the three‑goal concession in the final match. Conversely, Inter Miami’s successful navigation of a packed 100‑day stretch suggests a model for how MLS clubs can manage international tournament fatigue.

Messi’s Golden Boot, clinched on Decision Day, caps a season where his influence went far beyond scoring. The 38‑year‑old’s presence continues to elevate MLS’ global profile, and his performances will be a key storyline as the league heads into its postseason and the upcoming 2026 World Cup preparations.

Key Facts

Final score: Inter Miami CF 5, Nashville SC 2
Messi hat‑trick (34’, 63’ penalty, 81’)
Inter Miami finishes 3rd with 65 points; Nashville 6th with 54 points
Match held at GEODIS Park in Nashville, capacity 30,000
Playoff matchup: Inter Miami (home) vs. Nashville (away) in first round

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Messi’s hat‑trick affect Inter Miami’s playoff chances?

The three goals secured a 5‑2 win that locked Miami into the No. 3 seed. That positioning gives them a home field advantage against Nashville in the first playoff round, dramatically improving their odds of advancing.

What were the key factors behind Nashville SC’s decline after the mid‑season surge?

Injuries to core players, fatigue from a congested schedule, and a leaky defensive line in the final stretch all contributed. The loss to Miami highlighted those vulnerabilities, especially in set‑piece organization.

Who led the match in distance covered and why does it matter?

Nashville’s Eddi Tagseth logged 7.02 miles, the most of any player. His work rate reflects Nashville’s high‑press strategy, but it also underscores the physical toll that may have contributed to their late‑season fatigue.

When is the first‑round playoff match between the two clubs scheduled?

The MLS Cup playoffs kickoff on October 24, 2025, with Inter Miami hosting Nashville at GEODIS Park. The exact kickoff time will be announced by MLS later this week.

What does the result mean for the Supporters’ Shield race?

Philadelphia Union still holds the shield with 66 points, just one ahead of Miami. The win keeps Miami within striking distance, but they’ll need a slip from the Union in the final matches to overtake them.