Messi Targets MLS Golden Boot and MVP in Nashville vs Inter Miami Clash with Live Updates
On Decision Day, Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot and MVP awards are on the line. The final matches of the 2025 regular season are set to take place on Saturday, October 18. Lionel Messi will lead Inter Miami against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. ET.
Match Preview: Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami
Messi confirmed his participation in the game through his Instagram story. He currently leads the league with 26 goals, followed closely by Denis Bouanga from LAFC with 24 goals and Sam Surridge from Nashville with 23 goals. In addition to his scoring prowess, Messi also has tallied 18 assists, tying him with San Diego’s Andres Dreyer for the league high.
Golden Boot and MVP Race
- Lionel Messi: 26 goals, 18 assists
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC): 24 goals
- Sam Surridge (Nashville): 23 goals
- Andres Dreyer (San Diego): 18 assists
Messi’s total of 44 goal contributions leads the league. He is just five shy of Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 49, set with LAFC in 2019. Other contenders in the MVP race include Dreyer, Bouanga, Evander from Cincinnati, and Surridge.
Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, praised Messi’s contributions. “Measuring Leo solely by statistics is insufficient. His impact on the team and the entertainment he brings is invaluable,” Mascherano stated.
Playoff Implications
This match is critical for both teams. Inter Miami, currently tied with Cincinnati at 62 points, hopes to secure second place in the Eastern Conference. Cincinnati has a slight edge in wins, making this match vital for Miami’s playoff position.
In contrast, Nashville SC sits in sixth place with 54 points following their U.S. Open Cup triumph on October 1. Both teams have already secured spots in the playoffs.
Upcoming MLS Playoff Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 22 | Wild-card matches |
| October 24 – November 9 | Round 1 (best-of-three series) |
| November 22-23 | Conference semifinals |
| November 29-30 | Conference finals |
| December 6 | MLS Cup |
Fans can catch the Nashville vs. Inter Miami match on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. This highly anticipated game not only concludes the regular season but also highlights Messi’s efforts to clinch the MLS Golden Boot and MVP titles.
