Messi Wins Golden Boot with Brace in Miami Victory

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Messi Wins Golden Boot with Brace in Miami Victory

Lionel Messi made headlines once again as he led Inter Miami CF to a 3-1 victory against Nashville SC in the first game of the Round 1 playoff series. The match took place at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Messi scored two goals and provided one assist, solidifying his team’s position in the best-of-three postseason series.

Messi’s Historic Golden Boot Achievement

Before the match, MLS Commissioner Don Garber presented Messi with the Golden Boot award for being the top scorer of the 2025 season. Messi earned this accolade by netting 29 goals in 28 matches since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. This marked the first time he received the award in MLS.

Coaches and Player Insights

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised the team’s collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of every player in achieving their goals. “At this stage, all players are important,” Mascherano said. “To reach the highest point, we are going to need everyone.”

Upcoming Challenges and Future with Inter Miami

Inter Miami is set to face Nashville SC again on November 1, with hopes of advancing to the knockout round. Following the match, Messi celebrated his achievements, including a recent three-year contract extension that will keep him with the club through 2028.

  • Date of Match: Round 1 playoff series.
  • Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Score: Inter Miami 3, Nashville SC 1.
  • Messi’s Goals: 2 goals, 1 assist.
  • Golden Boot Stats: 29 goals in 28 games.
  • Contract Extension: Until 2028.
  • Upcoming Match: November 1 against Nashville.

Messi’s Impact on MLS

Garber highlighted Messi’s transformative impact on Major League Soccer. “He has reset the trajectory for Major League Soccer,” he stated. Since Messi’s arrival, ticket sales for MLS have reached record highs, and Inter Miami’s valuation has reportedly doubled to approximately $1.2 billion.

Messi is also a leading contender for the league MVP, having recently secured the 2024 award. With the potential of winning back-to-back MVP titles, he could become the first player in MLS history to achieve this milestone.

The future looks bright for Inter Miami as the team prepares for its next challenge in the playoffs with Messi playing a pivotal role in their aspirations for success.