Messi's hat‑trick fuels Inter Miami 5‑2 rout of Nashville

When Lionel Andrés Messi, forward for Inter Miami CF netted a third‑minute penalty and added two more strikes on Saturday night, Inter Miami CF roared back from a 2‑1 half‑time deficit to win 5‑2 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The match, part of the 2025 MLS regular season, took place on October 18, 2025 and shifted the Eastern Conference race dramatically, cementing Miami’s grip on the top spot with 68 points from 34 games.

• Score: Inter Miami 5, Nashville SC 2
• Goal‑makers: Messi (3), Baltazar Rodríguez, Talasco Segovia (Miami); Jacob Shaffelburg, Sam Surridge (Nashville)
• Assist leaders: Messi (1), Jordi Alba, Ian Fray
• Attendance: Approx. 58,400 fans
• Implication: Miami clinches Eastern Conference lead; Nashville slips to fifth, facing a play‑in round on Oct. 26

First‑half drama: Nashville’s early dominance

From the kickoff, Nashville SC pressed high, carving out chances at will. Jacob Shaffelburg’s unheralded strike in the 45+6 minute stoppage‑time gave the hosts a 2‑1 edge, a moment that sparked optimism among the 59,069‑capacity crowd. The goal was a swift solo run down the left, finishing with a low‑driven finish that slipped past the Miami keeper.

Just before the break, Sam Surridge (English forward) equalised in the 43rd minute, feeding off a clever assist from Hany Mukhtar. At that point the scoreboard read 2‑2, and the first‑half narrative suggested a tightly‑contested affair. Gerardo Martino, head coach of Inter Miami CF was yet to make a decisive tactical tweak.

Second‑half collapse: Messi takes over

The third‑minute of the second half saw Messi step into the spotlight, converting a well‑taken penalty after a foul on Jordi Alba. The Argentine’s composure reminded fans why he’s considered the league’s most lethal finisher. Five minutes later, young Argentine midfielder Baltazar Rodríguez doubled Miami’s lead, striking from the edge of the box with a curling effort.

With the game now 3‑2, the momentum swung unequivocally. Messi completed his hat‑trick in the 81st minute, finishing a slick one‑two with defender Ian Fray. The assist demonstrated Miami’s fluid transition play that left Nashville’s backline scrambling.

The finale was a quiet strike from Talasco Segovia in stoppage‑time, again set up by an inch‑perfect pass from Messi. The Argentine’s involvement in three goals and an assist translated to 48 goal contributions for the season – one shy of Carlos Vela’s all‑time MLS single‑season record of 49.

Coaching and tactical angles

B.J. Callaghan, head coach of Nashville SC faced a harsh reality after the game: the team’s defensive shape could not withstand Messi’s movement on the edge of the box. Analysts noted that Nashville failed to press high enough in the second half, allowing Miami to exploit the spaces behind their midfield.

Martino, who has a reputation for bold attacking setups, simply switched to a high‑press after the penalty, forcing Nashville into rushed clearances that turned into Miami counters. The tactical shift paid off, showcasing why the Argentine coach is praised for his adaptive style.

Implications for the Eastern Conference race

Inter Miami’s victory not only boosted their points tally to 68 but also widened the gap to second‑place Philadelphia Union, who sit at 61. The win solidified Miami’s status as a favorite to capture the Supporters’ Shield.

For Nashville, the loss dropped them to fifth with 52 points, meaning they must navigate the play‑in round scheduled for October 26. The quick turnaround leaves little room for squad recovery, and Callaghan’s staff will need to address the defensive lapses exposed by Miami’s swift transitions.

Historical context and records

Since joining MLS in 2020, Nashville SC has never suffered a home defeat by a three‑goal margin against Inter Miami. The two clubs met three times between 2023 and 2025, each game decided by a single goal. This 5‑2 drubbing therefore marks the most lopsided encounter in the fledgling rivalry.

Messi’s 48 contributions place him alongside the league’s elite. Only Carlos Vela has surpassed that single‑season mark, and the Argentine’s pace suggests he could well eclipse it in the final matches.

Off the pitch, the match underscored the influence of club owner David Beckham. Since Beckham’s acquisition, Inter Miami has invested heavily in star talent, turning the franchise into a regular title contender.