Overview
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and added an assist in a 5-2 Decision Day win over Nashville SC.
- He secured the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals, finishing ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge on 24, becoming Inter Miami’s first winner and the first Argentine honoree since 2021.
- Messi ended the regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists for 48 goal contributions, one short of Carlos Vela’s 2019 mark of 49.
- This campaign included milestone feats reported by outlets, such as a league-record 28 non-penalty goals and 10 multi-goal games.
- Inter Miami finished third in the East and host Nashville in Round One starting Oct. 24, as coach Javier Mascherano backs Messi for MVP and reports indicate talks on a new contract are advancing.