Messi Scores a Brace Again, Leads Inter Miami to 2-1 Triumph Over Nashville

Lionel Messi continued his sensational form in Major League Soccer on Saturday night, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over Nashville SC.

The victory not only extended Miami’s unbeaten run but also saw Messi achieve a historic milestone—his fifth consecutive game with multiple goals in MLS, a feat never before recorded in the league’s history.

The Argentine opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark free kick that curled around the wall and into the net, leaving Nashville’s goalkeeper Joe Willis rooted to the spot. Despite an equalizer from Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar early in the second half, Messi responded decisively in the 62nd minute.

He capitalized on a defensive lapse to pounce on a loose back pass and fired home the match-winner with calm precision.

With his latest brace, Messi has now netted 16 goals in 16 MLS appearances this season, tying Nashville’s Sam Surridge for the top spot on the league’s scoring chart. His contribution has helped transform Inter Miami from early-season strugglers into serious playoff contenders.

Saturday’s win also snapped a 15-game unbeaten streak for Nashville SC, which had been one of the longest ongoing runs in MLS at the time. The match was tense and competitive, with both sides fighting for control in the midfield, but it was Messi’s individual brilliance that ultimately made the difference.

Inter Miami now sits fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, with a record of 11 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. Importantly, they still hold three games in hand on several teams above them in the table, positioning them well for a late-season surge.

Speaking after the match, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano lauded Messi’s performance and leadership:

“It’s incredible what he continues to do at this level. He’s not just our best player—he’s our guide. He shows everyone how to compete.”

The victory also marks another chapter in Messi’s dominant run of form since returning from Copa América duty. His goal-scoring streak has electrified crowds across MLS and drawn global attention back to Inter Miami’s campaign.

The team now turns its focus to an upcoming road fixture against FC Cincinnati on July 16, as Messi looks to extend his scoring streak and push Miami further up the standings.

For Messi, the records continue to fall. For Inter Miami, the dream of silverware is rapidly becoming a reality.