Lionel Messi breaks MLS record with two goals in Inter Miami's victory over Nashville SC
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 14, 2025, 19:32 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat Nashville SC 2-1. Messi set a new MLS record with goals in five straight games. The win extended Miami's streak to five matches. Messi's free kick opened the scoring. Hany Mukhtar equalized for Nashville. Messi then scored again after a goalkeeper error. Miami is now fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Lionel Messi continued his historic run in Major League Soccer on Saturday night, scoring twice in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. The performance marked the Argentine forward’s fifth consecutive league game with multiple goals, a new MLS record.
The victory also extended Miami’s winning streak to five matches while ending Nashville’s 15-game unbeaten run in the league.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a precise free kick from just outside the penalty area. The shot bent through a gap in Nashville’s defensive wall and found the bottom corner of the net beyond goalkeeper Joe Willis’s reach, giving Miami an early 1-0 lead.
Nashville responded shortly after halftime. In the 49th minute, midfielder Hany Mukhtar converted a close-range header off a well-placed cross from Andy Nájar, leveling the score at 1-1.
However, Messi restored Miami’s lead in the 61st minute following a critical error from Willis. Attempting to clear the ball under pressure, the goalkeeper inadvertently passed it directly to Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner calmly sidestepped Willis and slotted the ball into an open net.
Saturday’s brace brings Messi’s season total to 16 goals. According to ESPN, it is the first time since 2012—during his tenure with FC Barcelona—that Messi has scored multiple goals in five consecutive league matches.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised his star forward following the match. “There aren’t very many words. It’s incredible what he continues to do,” Mascherano told reporters, according to MLS.com. “To break records every three days… he’s the flag for our team. He’s the leader. He shows us how to compete.”
In addition to his 10 goals over the last five games, Messi has contributed five assists during that stretch. His dominant form has helped lift Miami to fifth place in the Eastern Conference. With three games in hand on the top four teams, the club remains in contention for the conference lead.
Inter Miami’s next match is scheduled for Wednesday, when they face Orlando City SC on the road.
The victory also extended Miami’s winning streak to five matches while ending Nashville’s 15-game unbeaten run in the league.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a precise free kick from just outside the penalty area. The shot bent through a gap in Nashville’s defensive wall and found the bottom corner of the net beyond goalkeeper Joe Willis’s reach, giving Miami an early 1-0 lead.
Nashville responded shortly after halftime. In the 49th minute, midfielder Hany Mukhtar converted a close-range header off a well-placed cross from Andy Nájar, leveling the score at 1-1.
However, Messi restored Miami’s lead in the 61st minute following a critical error from Willis. Attempting to clear the ball under pressure, the goalkeeper inadvertently passed it directly to Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner calmly sidestepped Willis and slotted the ball into an open net.
Saturday’s brace brings Messi’s season total to 16 goals. According to ESPN, it is the first time since 2012—during his tenure with FC Barcelona—that Messi has scored multiple goals in five consecutive league matches.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised his star forward following the match. “There aren’t very many words. It’s incredible what he continues to do,” Mascherano told reporters, according to MLS.com. “To break records every three days… he’s the flag for our team. He’s the leader. He shows us how to compete.”
In addition to his 10 goals over the last five games, Messi has contributed five assists during that stretch. His dominant form has helped lift Miami to fifth place in the Eastern Conference. With three games in hand on the top four teams, the club remains in contention for the conference lead.
Inter Miami’s next match is scheduled for Wednesday, when they face Orlando City SC on the road.