Messi scores hat-trick to clinch MLS Golden Boot

LOS ANGELES: Lionel Messi ended the Major League Soccer regular season in style, scoring a hat-trick and setting up goals to guide Inter Miami to a 5-2 win over Nashville SC on Saturday. The result secured Messi the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals from 28 matches — his first time finishing as the league’s top scorer.

Messi’s tally placed him ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who both finished with 24 goals. Only Carlos Vela (34), Josef Martínez (31), and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (30) have scored more in a single MLS season.

The Argentine also topped the assists chart with 19, bringing his total goal contributions to 48 — just one short of Vela’s record of 49 from the 2019 season. His consistency throughout the campaign helped Inter Miami secure third place in the Eastern Conference, ensuring home advantage in the opening round of the playoffs, where they will again face Nashville.

Messi’s goals on Saturday came in the 35th, 63rd (penalty), and 81st minutes, marking his second MLS hat-trick. His first came in last season’s 6-2 win over New England Revolution on the final day of the 2024 regular season.

Inter Miami defender Ian Fray summed up Messi’s influence, saying, “It’s obvious he gives us an advantage every night. There aren’t enough words to describe what he does.”

Head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s display and backed him for a second consecutive MVP award. “Today he was exceptional, as he usually is,” Mascherano said. “If there were any doubts about his season, they’re gone now. He’s shown why he deserves the MVP again.”

Messi claimed the 2024 MLS MVP after tallying 20 goals and 16 assists while leading Miami to the Supporters’ Shield. His 2025 campaign has built on that success, as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to redefine standards in the league.

The MLS playoffs begin next weekend, with Miami hosting Nashville in Game 1 of the best-of-three first-round series.