NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Lionel Messi scored his second career MLS hat trick in Inter Miami’s 5-2 win over Nashville SC on Saturday night, nearly a year after his first goal.
Messi last scored a hat-trick in the first leg on October 19, 2024. Miami beat New England Revolution 6-2. This was his 19th hat trick of the 2025 MLS season.
He scored his first goal of the match in the 35th minute from the top of the box, giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead.
Messi won a penalty in the 63rd minute and scored to tie the score at 2-2.
He completed his hat trick in the 81st minute with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, increasing Inter Miami’s lead to 4-2.
Messi currently leads MLS with 29 goals and is favored to be a finalist for the Golden Boot as league MVP. He is five goals ahead of fellow Golden Boot finalist Dennis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC.
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