Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist as Inter Miami picked up a win to start the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs, defeating Nashville SC 3–1 in Game 1 of their Round One best-of-three series.
Fresh off winning the MLS Golden Boot and being named a finalist for MLS MVP, Messi opened the scoring for the Herons in the 19th minute with a diving header off a cross from longtime teammate Luis Suárez, showcasing the 38-year-old’s off-ball smarts with deceiving runs into the box.
