Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami defeated Nashville 3–1 on Friday night, powered by a brace from the Argentine star and a goal from his compatriot Tadeo Allende.
Before kickoff at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Messi was honored in front of a silent, awe-struck crowd as he received the Golden Boot award for finishing as Major League Soccer’s top scorer, with 29 goals and 19 assists.
Lionel Messi
Left-back Jordi Alba, who recently announced his retirement from football at the end of the season, made an emotional appearance accompanied by his three children — Piero, Bruna, and Ventura.
During the first half, Messi dazzled the home fans with long runs and moments of brilliance, just a day after Inter Miami confirmed his contract extension through 2028.
In the 18th minute, he opened the scoring with a stellar header from the center of the box after a perfect setup from Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez.
Thirteen minutes later, Ian Fray came close to doubling the lead when he connected with a Messi free-kick, sending the ball just wide of the right post.
Nashville showed signs of life just before halftime: Bryan Acosta’s long-range strike in the 46th minute missed the target, and moments later Sam Surridge fired over the bar from the left side of the area after a headed pass from Jacob Schaffelburg. The first half ended 1–0.
After the break, Sergio Busquets was booked for dangerous play in the 53rd minute, followed shortly by yellow cards to De Paul and Surridge.
In the 61st minute, after a foul by Maxi Falcón near Nashville’s defensive line, Ian Fray crossed into the box, where Teo Allende headed home to make it 2–0 for Inter Miami.
Javier Mascherano’s team — “Las Garzas” — kept pressing and found a third goal in stoppage time, with Messi scoring again from close range with his left foot.
Nashville’s Sam Surridge missed a late opportunity before Hany Mukhtar converted a free kick to narrow the score.
Inter Miami took the first win in the best-of-three playoff series, with home-field advantage firmly on their side.
