NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored his second career MLS hat trick nearly a year after his first, leading Inter Miami to a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night.
Messi’s previous hat trick came on October 19, 2024, during Inter Miami’s 6-2 win over the New England Revolution. This latest feat marked the 19th hat trick scored in the 2025 MLS season.
Messi opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a goal from the top of the box, giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. He was later awarded a penalty kick in the 63rd minute, which he converted to tie the game at 2-2.
He completed his hat trick in the 81st minute, firing a left-footed shot from the center of the box to extend Inter Miami’s lead to 4-2.
With this performance, Messi now leads MLS with 29 goals, solidifying his position as a frontrunner for both the Golden Boot and league MVP honors. He holds a five-goal advantage over fellow Golden Boot finalist Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC.
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AP Soccer
https://wtop.com/sports/2025/10/messi-scores-second-career-mls-hat-trick-in-inter-miamis-5-2-win-over-nashville-sc/