Saturday’s clash was a decisive one for Inter Miami and Nashville SC. They faced off in Game 3 of the first round of the Major League Soccer Playoffs, with both sides fighting to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Lionel Messi scored two goals in the first half.
The Herons had secured a solid win in Game 1 two weeks ago at Chase Stadium but failed to replicate that performance in Tennessee. That setback forced them into a decisive third game, where there was no room for error. Just as in 2024, a home defeat would bring their season and title hopes to an abrupt end.
With that in mind, Messi appeared determined to lead his team to the Eastern Conference semifinals. He didn’t want to finish 2025 without lifting a trophy, and to achieve that, his only path was to win the MLS Cup with Inter Miami. That determination seemed to spread to the rest of the squad, who from the opening whistle looked focused and motivated to get past Nashville.
At the nine-minute mark, Ian Fray won the ball high up the field, setting the stage for Messi to launch an attack from his favorite spot. He drove toward the defenders from the right side, cut inside toward the middle, and from the edge of the box fired a precise low shot that slipped inside goalkeeper Joe Willis’s right post — leaving him with no chance to stop it.
Messi’s second goal
With the lead in hand, the Herons didn’t relax and continued to show clear dominance over Nashville. They had several chances to extend their advantage — first with a shot from Baltasar Rodriguez that went just wide, and later with a volley from Jordi Alba that was blocked by a defender.
see also
Messi’s Inter Miami and Ronaldo’s Al Nassr reportedly in race to sign Argentina World Cup winner
Finally, in the 39th minute, Mateo Silvetti found open space to carry the ball forward and take on the opposing goalkeeper. Once inside the box, the young Argentine forward set up Messi, who calmly slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 2–0.
In the second half, Inter Miami ceded possession to their opponents and capitalized on the spaces left by Nashville to extend their lead. In that context, Tadeo Allende scored twice — the second an impressive finish following an assist from Messi — to seal a 4–0 victory and secure a spot in the semifinals.
Messi’s impressive scoring streak in the playoffs
Messi’s motivation to win the MLS title has been clearly reflected in his performances throughout the playoffs. In just three games against Nashville in the first round, the Argentine forward has scored five goals: two in Game 1, another in the second matchup at Geodis Park, and two more this Saturday at Chase Stadium.
