TL;DR
- Lionel Messi scored twice in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC, marking five consecutive MLS matches with multiple goals.
- The victory ended Nashville’s 15-match unbeaten run and extended Miami’s winning streak to five.
- Messi now has 16 goals this season, including 10 in his last five games.
- Miami sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, but could claim top spot if it wins its three games in hand.
Messi’s Record-Breaking Run Continues
Lionel Messi has once again redefined expectations in Major League Soccer, scoring twice in Inter Miami’s latest victory over Nashville SC. The Argentine icon’s performance extended his record-setting streak of scoring multiple goals in five straight MLS games, a feat unmatched since his Barcelona days.
Messi’s brilliance came early, netting a stunning free kick in the 17th minute. His left-footed strike curved through a deceptive hole in Nashville’s wall, evading goalkeeper Joe Willis and nestling into the bottom corner. The goal was his 15th of the season, and a further reminder of his lethal precision on set pieces.
Match Highlights: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC
The match was far from straightforward for Inter Miami. Nashville, which had gone 15 matches unbeaten, equalized shortly after halftime through Hany Mukhtar, who headed in a well-placed cross from Andy Nájar.
However, just 10 minutes later, Messi struck again—this time courtesy of a shocking goalkeeping error. Joe Willis misplayed a clearance directly into Messi’s path, and the forward coolly rounded the keeper to score what proved to be the game-winning goal.
Miami held firm for the remainder of the match to secure a 2-1 victory and climb further up the standings.
Messi’s 2025 MLS Streak
| Metric | Stat | Source |
| Goals this season | 16 | MLS Soccer |
| Multi-goal games (last 5) | 5 | ESPN |
| Inter Miami win streak | 5 matches | CNN |
| Nashville SC’s unbeaten run ended | 15 matches | MLS |
| Eastern Conference standing | 5th place, 3 games in hand | MLS Standings |
Mascherano: “Messi Is Our Flag, Our Leader”
Following the match, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s continued brilliance:
“There aren’t very many words. It’s incredible what he continues to do,” Mascherano told reporters.
“To break great records now every three days… He is the one. He’s the leader. He shows us the way to compete.”
Mascherano, himself a former Argentina international, called Messi the “flag for our team” — underscoring not just Messi’s goals but his cultural and tactical influence on the squad.
A Historic Feat Not Seen Since Barcelona
The last time Messi scored multiple goals in five consecutive league matches was back in 2012, during his record-breaking tenure at FC Barcelona. The Spanish LaLiga and the MLS may offer vastly different defensive challenges, but Messi’s ability to dominate remains a constant.
This streak highlights how Messi, even in his late 30s, maintains the clinical finishing and creative genius that defined his European career.
Miami Eyes Eastern Conference Top Spot
With three games in hand, Inter Miami is currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, but a sweep of their upcoming matches would place them at the top of the standings.
Their recent five-game winning streak has been powered by Messi’s contributions, including 10 goals and 5 assists in that span. Miami’s offensive transformation has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the MLS playoff picture.
If Messi maintains his current form, Inter Miami could not only contend for the Supporters’ Shield but also become MLS Cup favorites.
A New Era for MLS
Messi’s continued excellence has not only changed the trajectory of Inter Miami but also elevated the MLS’s global profile. Viewership has surged, stadium attendance has spiked, and interest from international talent has grown—thanks in large part to Messi’s presence.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber recently noted that Messi’s impact “goes beyond numbers,” calling him a catalyst for a new era in North American soccer.
What’s Next for Messi and Miami?
Inter Miami faces a busy schedule in the coming weeks, including crucial conference matchups that will test the team’s depth and stamina. But with Messi in top form and the team clicking under Mascherano’s leadership, few would bet against Miami continuing their ascent.
Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Messi: Can he push his goal-scoring streak to six multi-goal games? Can he bring Inter Miami its first MLS Cup?
