Miami 2-1 Nashville (13 Jul, 2025) Game Analysis

Lionel Messi scored two goals to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 home victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, extending his MLS-record scoring streak. His performance was decisive in ending Nashville's club-record 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, marking their first loss since April 19.

Messi achieved his fifth consecutive MLS match with two or more goals, setting a new league record. This win improved Inter Miami's record to 11-3-5 (38 points) and extended their unbeaten run against Nashville to 4-0-1 in their last five meetings. It also marked Miami's fifth straight MLS win overall and their third consecutive victory since being eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup on June 29.

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a spectacular free-kick that bypassed Nashville's defensive wall and beat goalkeeper Joe Willis. Nashville equalized in the 49th minute when Hany Mukhtar scored his 10th goal of the season with a header off Andy Najar's cross, assisted by Patrick Yazbek. Messi then secured the win in the 62nd minute by capitalizing on a Willis error, intercepting a poor clearance with his left foot, rounding the goalkeeper, and scoring.

With these goals, Messi now has 16 MLS goals this season, tying him for the league lead with Nashville's Sam Surridge. Messi has contributed to 23 goals in MLS matches and scored 22 goals across all competitions this season. Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Inter Miami visiting Cincinnati and Nashville hosting Columbus.