MLS Playoff Updates: Miami Makes it, Western Conference Teams Still Hustling
Inter Miami secures playoff spot with 5-2 win over Nashville, Western Conference standings remain tight. Lionel Messi's hat-trick leads Miami to playoff berth, Western teams battle for final spots.
“I'm happy for him because he has helped us win the match once again...”
Lionel Messi netted a stunning hat-trick, propelling Inter Miami to a 5-2 win over Nashville SC and securing a spot in the playoffs. With this impressive performance, Messi strengthened his hold on the Major League Soccer Golden Boot award, leading the scoring table with 26 goals.
Messi's hat-trick all but sealed the Golden Boot, putting him two goals ahead of LAFC's Denis Bouanga with just one day left in the regular season.
Lionel Messi continued his remarkable form, poised to secure his first MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals in 28 matches. He also made a strong case for a second MVP award after leading Inter Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami will face Nashville SC again in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, starting October 24th.
“What can I say about Leo?” Inter coach Javier Mascherano said. “Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the Most Valuable Player award for what he has demonstrated.”
“I'm happy for him because he has helped us win the match once again.”
Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box, collecting a pass from Jordi Alba before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful left-footed shot into the bottom left corner.
Nashville's momentum briefly shifted after falling behind, but Sam Surridge leveled the score in the 43rd minute with his 24th goal of the season, heading in a precise cross from Hany Mukhtar. The hosts took a 2-1 lead into halftime after Jacob Shaffelburg slotted home the rebound from Mukhtar's shot that hit the post in injury time. Lionel Messi pulled one back for Inter Miami in the 63rd minute, converting his first penalty of the season.
Objetivo cumplido 💗✅ pic.twitter.com/qx4yXluHEr
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 19, 2025
The spot kick was awarded after Luis Suarez's deflected shot hit Mukhtar's arm in the box. Messi converted the penalty, rolling the ball into the net with an off-speed shot that fooled Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis. Inter Miami took the lead when Baltasar Barcia Rodriguez scored in the 67th minute. Messi sealed the win with a curling shot through traffic in the 81st minute, completing his hat-trick.
Telasco Segovia sealed the win for Inter Miami with a late goal in stoppage time, dealing a blow to Nashville's already dwindling hopes.
“In the first half, it was very tough for us, we lacked intensity," Mascherano said. "We defended very deep, and with the ball, we didn't have many ideas either.”
“The second half was different. We played in the opponent's half, took more risks, and finished at a great level.”
In the Western Conference, the playoff picture remained uncertain, with four teams - FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and San Jose Earthquakes - competing for the final two spots. Meanwhile, Vancouver FC, led by Thomas Muller, aimed to secure the top spot in the West with a win or draw against FC Dallas. A loss could pave the way for San Diego FC, who could potentially leapfrog Vancouver with a win over Portland and a Vancouver defeat.
Magic on display from the #IconOfTheMatch Lionel Messi 🪄🏆 @RoyalCaribbean pic.twitter.com/t9mBKo7zmo
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 19, 2025
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