Lionel Messi Hat Trick: Inter Miami Dominates Nashville SC 5-2 | MLS

Messi’s Hat Trick Leads Inter Miami Past Nashville 5-2

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance with his second career Major League Soccer hat trick, guiding Inter Miami to a commanding 5-2 victory over Nashville SC. The Argentine superstar continues his stellar season with 29 goals, cementing his status as the league’s premier scorer.

Messi Opens Scoring Early

Messi set the tone from the opening stages, netting his first goal in the 35th minute from outside the box for a 1-0 lead. Nashville responded quickly through Sam Surridge’s header in the 43rd minute to level the match. Jacob Shaffelburg then put Nashville ahead 2-1 during stoppage time following a rebound off Hany Mukhtar’s shot.

Quality Takes Over in Second Half

Inter Miami’s quality shined after halftime as Messi equalized from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute following a handball on Andy Nájar. Baltasar Rodríguez extended the lead to 3-2 just four minutes later. Messi completed his hat trick in the 81st minute with a left-footed strike from the center of the box, making it 4-2. Telasco Segovia added the fifth goal in stoppage time to secure the emphatic win.

“It’s so obvious that he gives us an advantage every night,” Inter Miami defender Ian Fray said. “There aren’t enough words to say about him. We have some of the greatest players to ever play the game here, and whoever we’re going to play, we have the same mindset.”

This marks Messi’s second hat trick since joining MLS, with the first occurring last October against the New England Revolution in a 6-2 victory.