Lionel Messi Scores Twice Again as Inter Miami Defeats Nashville 2-1 in MLS Thriller

MIAMI – Lionel Messi once again proved unstoppable in Major League Soccer, netting two goals for the fifth consecutive game to lead Inter Miami to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night.

Fresh off setting an MLS record for scoring multiple goals in four straight matches, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner extended his historic streak, lifting Miami further up the Eastern Conference standings after returning from their Club World Cup campaign.

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning left-footed free-kick, threading the ball through Nashville’s wall and past goalkeeper Joe Willis. Despite Miami’s dominant first-half performance, Nashville equalized just four minutes after the break, thanks to a well-placed header from Hany Mukhtar.

However, it was Messi who had the last word, capitalizing on a costly error from Willis in the 62nd minute to restore Miami’s lead. The goalkeeper’s mistimed pass was intercepted and punished with clinical precision by the Argentine star.

With this latest brace, Messi now has 16 goals in 16 MLS appearances — tying Nashville’s Sam Surridge for the season’s top scorer spot.

“There are not many words,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. “He keeps breaking records every three days now. He is the leader and standard-bearer of this team.”

The match marked Miami’s third league outing since their month-long Club World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the heavy schedule, the team has surged in form.

Inter Miami now sits fifth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points from 19 matches, just five points behind leaders Philadelphia Union, with three games in hand.

Elsewhere in the league, Philadelphia moved into first place with a 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls, while Columbus Crew leapfrogged into the playoff race with a 4-2 win over FC Cincinnati, knocking Cincinnati into second place.

Looking ahead, Miami’s fixture congestion continues with a clash against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, followed by a weekend faceoff with the New York Red Bulls.

Mascherano acknowledged the intensity of the schedule and hinted that rest for the 38-year-old Messi may soon be necessary.

“At some point we have to find space to give him some rest. He’s feeling good, but we’ll evaluate it day by day,” Mascherano added.