Messi Shines as Inter Miami Opens Playoff Run Against Nashville SC
It was a night to remember in Fort Lauderdale as Lionel Messi led Inter Miami CF into the opening game of their MLS Cup Playoff series against Nashville SC. The atmosphere at Chase Stadium was electric — a mix of anticipation, celebration, and the unmistakable buzz that comes whenever Messi steps onto the pitch.
Before kickoff, fans were treated to a special moment as Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber presented Messi with the 2025 MLS Golden Boot , recognizing his remarkable season — 29 goals in 28 games. What made it even more special was that nearly all of those goals came from open play, not penalties. It was a record-breaking feat, one that underlined Messi’s dominance in yet another chapter of his legendary career.
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Once the game began, it didn’t take long for the star to make his mark. In the 19th minute, Messi opened the scoring with a beautifully placed finish, assisted by his long-time teammate Luis Suárez. That early strike gave Miami a 1-0 lead and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Nashville, however, refused to back down. Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge pushed hard to equalize, creating tense moments for Miami’s defense led by goalkeeper RÃos Novo and captain Sergio Busquets.
This matchup carried extra weight for Inter Miami. After being knocked out early in last year’s playoffs, this season has been all about redemption. The club made big changes, including extending Messi’s contract through 2028 and rebuilding its tactical structure under manager Javier Mascherano. And now, they’ve started their playoff journey determined to make a deep run — something that’s eluded them so far despite the superstar talent in their squad.
For veterans like Jordi Alba and Busquets, this postseason is especially emotional. Both have announced plans to retire at the end of the season, and winning the MLS Cup would be the perfect send-off for two of the most accomplished players in modern football.
Nashville SC, meanwhile, entered the match with less pressure. After winning the U.S. Open Cup earlier this year, B.J. Callaghan’s side had already proven their competitiveness. They know Miami well — these teams have met multiple times in high-stakes contests, including the 2023 Leagues Cup final and the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup knockouts.
By halftime, Miami held onto their slim lead, but Nashville’s resilience made it clear the series would be far from easy. With more matches to come in this best-of-three playoff round, the stage is perfectly set for another thrilling chapter between these two sides.
And as the lights dimmed over Chase Stadium, one thing was undeniable — Lionel Messi continues to be the heartbeat of Inter Miami, driving them toward history one goal at a time.
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