Golden Boot Winner Messi Fires Brace as Inter Miami Cruise to Play-off Victory

Lionel Messi marked his MLS Golden Boot triumph in style, scoring twice and providing an assist to inspire Inter Miami CF to a commanding 3–1 victory over Nashville SC in the opening match of their Round One play-off series at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami secured the first win in the best-of-three series and will now travel to Nashville on 1 November, aiming to seal their place in the knockout stage of the postseason. Tadeo Allende also found the net in the first half as head coach Javier Mascherano hailed the display as a collective effort.

“At this stage, every player is important. To reach the top, we’re going to need everyone — that’s the reality,” said Mascherano. “We try to transmit that message and ensure the team is always prepared for whatever comes.”

Before kick-off, MLS Commissioner Don Garber presented the Argentine superstar with the 2025 Golden Boot award, recognising him as the league’s top scorer for the season. Messi claimed the accolade after netting 29 goals in 28 matches, earning the honour for the first time since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

“I’m here tonight not just to attend the match but to present Leo with the Golden Boot,” said Garber. “I don’t think any of us could have imagined the impact he would have on this club, this city, and this league.”

The award presentation came a day after Inter Miami confirmed that Messi had signed a new three-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2028.

“He has redefined the trajectory of Major League Soccer — and we were already doing well,” Garber added. “Having him for three more years is another gift. Hopefully, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s been a thrill watching him play and seeing how happy he is here in Miami and in the United States.”

Messi, the overwhelming favourite to win his second successive MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, also finished the season as joint leader in assists with 19.

Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has transformed the club’s fortunes — guiding them to victory in the inaugural Leagues Cup, securing the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and setting a new MLS record for the most points in a single season. Individually, he captured the 2024 MVP award and remains among the finalists for the 2025 edition. Should he win again, he would become the first MLS player ever to claim the honour in consecutive seasons.

Messi’s new deal could see him remain with Inter Miami into his early forties. His influence both on and off the pitch has been immense — MLS ticket revenue hit record levels this year, Inter Miami’s estimated value has doubled to around $1.2 billion since his arrival, and he continues to lead the league in shirt sales each season.

“I think he’s the unicorn of unicorns,” Garber said. “There’s something unique about how he’s wired — his mindset, his intensity, his desire to win. That’s what makes him the greatest of all time. There are many competitive players, but he has that special quality that keeps him laser-focused on winning.”

Garber also praised Inter Miami for the way it unveiled Messi’s contract extension. The club released a social media video showing Messi signing his new deal before the camera pulled back to reveal he was seated at the site of the team’s new stadium near Miami International Airport, set to open next year.

“It just shows how classy and clever they are,” Garber concluded.