The MLS delivered a headline-grabbing showdown as 38-year-old Argentine legend Lionel Messi once again stole the spotlight. With two brilliant goals, he led Inter Miami to a 2-1 home victory over Nashville SC, ending the visitors’ 15-match unbeaten run.
More impressively, Messi became the first player in MLS history to score braces in five consecutive league games.
Another Magical Performance
Messi continued his impressive performance in this match. In the 17th minute, he lined up a free kick from just outside the box. Despite Nashville setting up an exaggerated 10-man wall, Messi drilled a low shot into the bottom left corner with pinpoint precision, a trademark moment from the free-kick maestro.
Nashville equalized in the 49th minute, but just 13 minutes later, Messi capitalized on a significant goalkeeping error, intercepting a loose pass and calmly slotting the ball home for the match-winner.
It marked Messi’s 16th goal in just 16 MLS matches this season, putting him level atop the scoring charts with Nashville forward Surridge (16 goals in 21 appearances).
Mind-Blowing Career Stats
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has scored 55 goals in 66 official appearances. In these five consecutive brace-scoring matches alone, he has tallied 11 goals and four assists, a stunning display of form.
This season, Messi has already contributed 22 goals and six assists in 27 matches across all competitions.
In addition, Messi has now scored 69 career goals from free kicks, ranking third in football history behind Juninho (77) and Pelé (70), further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest set-piece takers of all time.
A Historic Run Echoing His Barcelona Peak
This stretch of five consecutive braces also equals a feat Messi last achieved in 2012 with Barcelona, when he netted doubles in six straight La Liga matches. Should he score another brace in his next outing, he will break his legendary record.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised Lionel Messi after the match, saying, “There aren’t many words left to describe him. Every few days, he’s breaking new records. He’s the leader of this team, pushing everyone to give their best.”
Mascherano also addressed the physical demands on the 38-year-old, who has played seven full 90-minute matches recently, including four at the Club World Cup.
“We’re monitoring it closely and speaking with him all the time. If he needs rest, we’ll make that decision. Right now, he feels excellent, so we’ll assess game by game.”
Messi, clearly pleased, posted a goal celebration photo on his social media with the caption: “Five wins in a row. Let’s go!”
Despite most players winding down at 38, Lionel Messi is defying the norms and rewriting history. Not only is he Inter Miami’s heartbeat, but he’s also become the face of Major League Soccer.
As long as Messi steps onto the pitch, every match becomes must-watch football, because you never know what kind of history he’ll make next.
