Messi Magic: Inter Miami Star Cements MVP Bid With Sensational Hat-Trick

- by Olatunji Johnson

A legendary performance not only secures a playoff berth but all but locks up the league’s top honors in a stunning 5-2 victory over Nashville.

In a display that reaffirmed his otherworldly status, Lionel Messi delivered a breathtaking hat-trick on Saturday, single-handedly powering Inter Miami to a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC and directly into the MLS playoffs. The Argentine wizard, in a performance that felt like a highlight reel, virtually sealed the league’s Golden Boot award and staked an undeniable claim for the Most Valuable Player title.

Facing a 2-1 deficit at halftime, Inter Miami looked out of sorts. But as he has so often throughout his career, Messi took control, showcasing a blend of power, precision, and poise that left Nashville shell-shocked.

His opening goal was a thunderbolt from outside the box, but his second—a clever, off-speed penalty—was a masterclass in deception.

He saved his best for last, curling a picture-perfect shot through traffic to complete his hat-trick and send the home crowd into a frenzy.

“What can I say about Leo?” beamed Inter coach Javier Mascherano after the match. “Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. I’m happy for him because he has helped us win the match once again.”

The victory, which clinches third place in the Eastern Conference, sets up an immediate playoff rematch with the same Nashville side. For Miami, the game was a tale of two halves. After a sluggish start where they “lacked intensity,” according to Mascherano, the team roared back after the break, playing in their opponent’s half and finishing at a “great level.”

While Messi’s brilliance rightfully stole the headlines, the win caps a remarkable late-season surge for Inter Miami, who will now carry the momentum—and the most dangerous man in soccer—into the postseason.

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