Florida (BN24) – Lionel Messi continued his record-setting form in Major League Soccer, netting both goals in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC on Saturday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The 38-year-old superstar recorded his fifth consecutive MLS match with at least two goals—a league milestone—while propelling Miami to its fifth straight league victory.
Messi struck first in the 17th minute with a brilliant free kick, threading the ball through a gap in Nashville’s defensive wall and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joe Willis. The goal briefly put Miami ahead before Nashville responded in the second half.
Hany Mukhtar equalized in the 49th minute, heading in a cross from Andy Najar for his 10th goal of the season. Patrick Yazbek also picked up an assist on the play.
But Messi restored Miami’s lead for good in the 62nd minute, punishing a costly error by Willis, who miscontrolled a clearance and sent the ball directly into Messi’s path. The Argentine calmly collected it, evaded Willis, and slotted home his second goal of the evening.
With 16 goals in MLS play this season, Messi is now tied with Nashville’s Sam Surridge—who was held scoreless on Saturday—for the league lead. Overall, he has tallied 22 goals across all competitions.
Inter Miami improved to 11-3-5 (38 points) while ending Nashville’s 15-match unbeaten run, their first defeat since April 19 in Seattle.
The victory also extended Miami’s dominance in the matchup to 4-0-1 over their last five meetings with Nashville.
Next, Inter Miami travels to face FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, while Nashville hosts Columbus Crew.
