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Argentine icon Lionel Messi netted two goals to propel Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Nashville SC on Friday in the first match of their MLS Cup playoff series.
Tadeo Allende also found the net for Inter, giving them a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series, with the second game scheduled in Nashville on November 1.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient Messi received the Golden Boot award before kickoff after leading the regular-season scoring with 29 goals in 28 matches. He quickly showcased his scoring prowess, putting Miami ahead 1-0 with a diving header off a pass from Luis Suarez in the 19th minute.
Sergio Busquets seized control of the ball near the sideline and delivered it to Rodrigo De Paul. De Paul spotted a rushing Messi, who passed it to Suarez on the right and advanced to connect when Suarez returned the ball.
“We know that playoffs are tough, so we wanted to start with a win at home,” De Paul said. “Hopefully, this is just the beginning. The team did very well today in terms of intensity, focus, and understanding the moments when to attack and when to defend.
Allende’s header, following a pass from Ian Fray, extended Miami’s lead to 2-0 in the 62nd minute.
Messi secured the victory nine minutes into second-half injury time when Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis leapt to intercept a cross from Jordi Alba on the left wing but couldn’t hold onto it, allowing Messi to finish it off.
Hany Mukhtar’s goal in the 11th and final minute of stoppage time served only as a consolation.
The victory came just a day after Messi signed a three-year contract extension that will keep the 38-year-old in Florida until 2028. The news delighted MLS commissioner Don Garber, who was present to award Messi his Golden Boot.
Mascherano, whose team is aiming for their first MLS Cup title, emphasised that Inter must not relax, despite having defeated Nashville in two consecutive games, including a decisive 5-2 victory in the regular-season finale.
