Browsing: Lionel

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi finished with a hat trick on the final day of MLS’ regular season Saturday to clinch the 2025 MLS Golden Boot award.

Messi’s three goals, along with an assist, helped Miami to a 5-2 win at Nashville SC. The Argentina forward had 29 goals in just 28 regular-season matches to finish as MLS’ top scorer for the first time.

– Messi tracker: All goals, assists, key moments

His nearest challengers were LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge, who both finished tied for second with 24 goals.

Only three players — Carlos Vela (34), Josef Martínez (31) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (30) — have scored more goals in an MLS regular season than Messi’s 29.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also had a league-high 19 assists, which, along with his 29 goals, left Messi one shy of Vela’s MLS record of 49 goal contributions in a regular season.

“It’s so obvious that [Messi] gives us an advantage every night,” Inter Miami defender Ian Fray said. “There aren’t enough words to say about him.”

Lionel Messi finished the MLS regular season with three goals in Inter Miami’s win over Nashville. Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

Messi’s contributions propelled Inter Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference, securing home-field advantage for the playoffs. The team will face Nashville again in the first round of the 2025 MLS playoffs.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano shared in his postgame news conference that Game 1 of the three-game series will take place Friday, though MLS will announce the schedule Sunday.

Mascherano has insisted that Messi has done more than enough on the field to earn the 2025 MLS MVP award, which would make him the first player to win it in consecutive seasons.

“Well, what can I say about Leo? The truth is, well, today he was exceptional, as he usually is,” Mascherano said.

“Clearly, I think if anyone had any doubts about what his regular season was like, the reality is that he’s cleared any doubts. They’ll surely give him the MVP award for everything he’s shown.

“Talking about the three goals he scored, well, happy for him because he helped us win the game again.”

Messi won the 2024 MLS MVP trophy after recording 20 goals and 16 assists to inspire Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield and break the league record for most points recorded in a season.

Messi’s hat trick Saturday was second in MLS. His first came in Inter Miami’s 6-2 win over the New England Revolution on the final day of the 2024 regular season.

He scored his first of the game against Nashville from the top of the box in the 35th minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead.

Messi was awarded a penalty kick in the 63rd minute and converted to tie the score 2-2.

He completed the hat trick in the 81st minute, scoring from the center of the box on a left-footed shot and extending Inter Miami’s lead to 4-2.

Messi also had an assist on Telasco Segovia‘s score in stoppage time.

Information from ESPN Research and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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The 2025 MLS playoff picture is set.

Lionel Messi posted a Decision Day hat trick against Nashville SC to win the 2025 Golden Boot and help Inter Miami secure home-field advantage for the postseason.

Messi scored 29 goals in his second MLS season to become the first Inter Miami player to win the award.

Inter Miami is now set to rematch with Nashville in the first round of the 2025 MLB playoffs. Here’s a look at the full bracket after Saturday’s final matches.

1. Philadelphia Union vs. Eastern Wild Card winner (8. Chicago Fire or 9. Orlando City)

4. Charlotte FC vs. 5. New York City FC

2. FC Cincinnati vs. 7. Columbus Crew

3. Inter Miami vs. 6. Nashville SC

1. San Diego FC vs. Western Wild Card winner (8. Portland Timbers or 9. Real Salt Lake)

4. Minnesota United vs. 5. Seattle Sounders

2. Vancouver Whitecaps vs. 7. FC Dallas

The first round will feature a “Hell is Real” rematch between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew.

The rivalry, named after the infamous billboard on the interstate roadside between the two cities, last peaked in 2023 when Columbus claimed a 3-2 comeback win in the MLS Playoffs Eastern Conference Final en route to winning the title.

Cincinnati secured the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed with a Decision Day shutout of CF Montreal, while Columbus climbed out of the Wild Card round and into the No. 7 spot in part thanks to a Saturday win over the New York Red Bulls.

Charlotte FC meanwhile sealed home-field advantage for a first-round matchup with New York City FC thanks to a Decision Day win over the Philadelphia Union.

The Philadelphia Union will now wait for next Wednesday’s Wild Card game, when the Orlando City SC and Chicago Fire play for the final playoff spot in the East.

San Diego FC meanwhile locked up the top seed in the West thanks to a Decision Day shutout of the Portland Timbers, combined with the Vancouver Whitecaps’ loss to FC Dallas.

Either the Portland Timbers or Real Salt Lake will face San Diego FC in the first round, depending on Wednesday’s Wild Card results.

Vancouver fell to the No. 2 seed and a first-round rematch with Dallas. Minnesota will face Seattle while LAFC takes on Austin to round out the Western Conference.

Round 1 begins Friday and runs through Sunday, Nov. 9. The conference semifinals are set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, followed by the conference finals the following weekend on Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30.

Everything leads up to the kickoff of the 2025 MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 6.

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Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Lionel Messi will be available for Inter Miami’s final 2025 MLS regular season clash with Nashville SC on Saturday as the captain looks to secure the Golden Boot.

Messi comes into the match after featuring for Argentina on Tuesday night against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium.

“Yesterday they [Messi and Rodrigo De Paul] trained with us, they did a good part of it. Today they will train with us completely,” Mascherano said.

“Beyond playing on Tuesday, Messi played for us on Saturday and De Paul didn’t play too many minutes against Venezuela so this wasn’t an international window of too much wear.

“They played here so after the game they could rest, they didn’t travel. Normally, when you have four days between games you can arrive with rest and in good conditions. We will be talking today after training.”

Lionel Messi is set to return for Inter Miami on Saturday. Michael Chisholm/Getty Images

Mascherano said “almost everyone is available” for Saturday’s game except David Ruiz and Allen Obando, who remain sidelined due to ongoing injuries.

The final match against Nashville could see Messi clinch the 2025 MLS Golden Boot and allow Inter Miami to ensure home-field advantage for the playoffs.

Messi leads the Golden Boot standings with 26 goals, though Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga trails on 24 goals.

The Inter Miami captain has yet to win the league’s Golden Boot since joining MLS in the summer of 2023, despite coming close to clinching the accolade in 2024.

Beyond goals, Messi also stands as the leader of assists for the 2025 MLS season with 18 which improves his chances at securing the league MVP.

Mascherano insists there is “no type of doubt” that Messi deserves the trophy, which would make him the first ever player to win the MLS MVP on two consecutive occasions after lifting the 2024 edition of the award.

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“There is no type of doubt [that Messi is the MVP of the league]. Even with the disadvantage of playing less games than others, it’s the influence he’s had on this team,” Mascherano said.

“Measuring Messi only on the statistics, which you can do, he’s the best but he goes beyond the numbers. He reflects on the field the importance he has in this team, and what he does to make everyone who watches him enjoy it.”

Inter Miami previously qualified to the league playoffs, but will know of the Round One opponent following the final day of the regular season on Saturday night.

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Lionel Messi has announced the first edition of the Messi Cup, an international youth soccer tournament to be held in South Florida that will include Inter Miami and Barcelona.

Messi, with his production company 525 Rosario, will host the Under-16 tournament between Dec. 9-14.

The competition will have 18 matches and be played by eight clubs: Inter Miami, Barcelona, ​​Manchester City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell’s Old Boys, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea.

“Thrilled to finally share this with you. This December, Miami will host a very special youth football tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world,” Messi said in a post on Instagram.

Lionel Messi will host a youth tournament in December. Megan Briggs/Getty Images

“The future of the game will be on full display, and it’s more than just matches — we’ve got an incredible few days planned with lots of other exciting activities. This is about the next generation. Hope you like it! This is the Messi Cup.”

525 Rosario said the purpose of the tournament is to shape the future of the sport.

– Messi, Alba dazzle as Inter Miami win last game at Chase
– Messi returns to Argentina squad ahead of Puerto Rico friendly
– Transfer rumors, news: Miami eye Messi, Suárez, Neymar reunion

“More than a tournament, it is a series of live events and a digitally-driven platform that fuses sport, culture, and innovation,” a statement from the company said.

“Its mission is to generate long-term value for athletes developing their careers, for the communities that unite around a passion for sport, and for brands seeking authentic and lasting connections in the new era of football.

The eight teams are set to be divided into two groups of four, which will then face each other in a round-robin style phase over the first three days of the competition. A playoff match will be hosted to determine final positions before the third-place match and final are subsequently played at Chase Stadium.

“The Messi Cup is the meeting point between the football of today and the players of tomorrow,” CEO of 525 Rosario Tim Pastore said.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture, and community, creating legacies and bonds that will endure beyond the field of play.”

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Oct 13, 2025, 02:43 AM ET

Lionel Messi has returned to training with Argentina after being released to play in Inter Miami’s MLS game against Atalanta on Saturday.

The 38-year-old was called up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for the country’s matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, but the captain was not in the squad for the 1-0 win over Venezuela on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with Scaloni revealing he made the decision to leave Messi out of the roster.

In a rare set of circumstances, Messi was granted permission by his country to play in Miami’s penultimate MLS match of the regular season as the team fights for a higher spot in the Eastern Conference table to ensure home-field advantage in the postseason.

Lionel Messi has returned to training with Argentina. Gustavo Pagano/Getty Images

Earlier in the week, Miami boss Javier Mascherano had said he would welcome the chance for Messi to play on Saturday between the two Argentina friendlies, but added he did not know whether or not it was a possibility.

Messi scored Miami’s first in a 4-0 win that represented the team’s final match at Chase Stadium. Miami will move into its new home, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is in line to feature again at Chase Stadium for Argentina against Puerto Rico on Oct. 14 after returning to the national team.

– Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments for Inter Miami
– Report: Messi, Alba dazzle as Inter Miami win last game at Chase Stadium

“The match will serve as part of the preparation for upcoming commitments and will allow the technical staff to fine-tune details,” Argentina said in a statement.

“Leo’s return generates great anticipation and promises a spectacular atmosphere for this new international challenge.”

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Inter Miami players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba during a fixture. (AP) Inter Miami left-back Jordi Alba announced his retirement from professional football through an Instagram post on Tuesday, prompting an emotional response from teammate Lionel Messi. Alba’s decision comes shortly after midfielder Sergio Busquets also announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the former Barcelona teammates who reunited at Inter Miami, alongside Messi.Alba made the announcement with a simple message on social media expressing his gratitude to the sport, stating “Thank you, football, thank you so much.”Messi responded to Alba’s retirement announcement with a heartfelt comment acknowledging their long-standing partnership on the field. “Thanks to you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you so much. After so much together, it’s going to be weird to look to the left and not see you there… Crazy how many assists you gave me all these years.. Who’s gonna give me back passes now???” Messi wrote.

Lionel Messi’s comments on Jordi Alba’s Instagram post announcing his retirement from football. (Instagram)

The duo played 413 matches together across their time at Barcelona and Inter Miami, forming a formidable partnership that saw Alba consistently providing assists to Messi from the left flank. Alba provided Messi with 33 assists during their time on the pitch, only Luis Suarez (60), Dani Alves (42), and Andres Iniesta (37) assisted more.Their partnership, which began at Barcelona, continued when they reunited at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where they maintained their on-field chemistry despite being in the latter stages of their careers.Alba had previously shared his motivations for joining Inter Miami in an interview with CBS Sports last year. “I don’t get tired of winning. I want to keep winning, to keep competing. If I did not have that excitement, I would not have come here. I would have stayed in Barcelona, at home, not playing football,” he said.The Spanish defender also explained his decision to join Inter Miami was influenced by the presence of his former teammates. “The opportunity was very attractive. I also wanted to get back with Leo [Messi] and Busi [Sergio Busquets] and now Luis [Suarez] has also come. So these were the incentives that led me to make that decision,” Alba stated.Alba’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including six La Liga titles with Barcelona and a Champions League trophy. While he had initially planned to continue playing until 2027, he has decided to conclude his professional career at the end of the current season.

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Lionel Messi led the tributes for Jordi Alba after the Inter Miami defender announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, admitting the field will feel strange without the Spaniard.

Alba revealed his decision with a video to his personal Instagram account.

–Sources: Miami eye ex-Man Utd, Spurs’ Reguilón
– Spain great Alba to retire after Miami season
– Busquets plans coaching career, after a sabbatical

“Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you a lot. After many things together, it’s going to feel strange to look to my left and not see you there,” commented Messi on the post.

“It’s crazy how many assists you’ve given me over all these years. Who is going to give me those passes from behind now?”

Alba and Messi first started playing together at Barcelona before making their way to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 to continue sharing the field. While in Spain, Messi and Alba lifted five LaLiga trophies, one Champions League title and five Copa del Rey cups together.

Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi have spent much of their careers together, first at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami. Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

They continued making history on the field when joining Inter Miami, lifting the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield alongside each other before setting the league record for most points recorded in a single season.

The duo repeatedly connected in the final third to inspire Inter Miami to victory, with Messi most recently setting up Alba for a goal against the New England Revolution on Oct. 4 in the team’s 4-1 triumph.

Overall, Alba has provided Messi with 33 assists during their careers. Only three other players — Luis Suárez (60), Dani Alves (42), and Andrés Iniesta (37) have served Messi more.

Messi is now expected to play the upcoming 2026 season without longtime teammates Sergio Busquets, who previously announced his own retirement from football, and Alba.

Though Messi’s original deal expires at the end of the season, sources have told ESPN that the Argentine captain is expected to soon sign a multi-year contract extension with Inter Miami that would keep him in South Florida for additional seasons.

Hundreds of tributes poured in for Alba throughout the day, with former Barcelona teammates Neymar and Suárez — now also a current colleague in Miami — commenting on the player’s Instagram announcement.

“Brother, what to say. You’re a crack, to enjoy what’s left,” said Suárez.

“You are huge, brother. Big hug folleti” commented Neymar.

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Lionel Messi’s popularity has been on the rise in the United States ever since the magician’s arrival at Inter Miami.

Naturally, there have been memorable moments aplenty and it seems many more are still to come.

Recent reports suggest Messi has signed a contract extension that will keep him in South Florida for several more years. The new deal is expected to mark the final chapter of the Argentine superstar’s illustrious career, and should bring with it more goals, assists, and dazzling moments that continue to wow fans around the world.

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Not even Mother Nature can stop Messi. A heavy and chaotic storm in Fort Lauderdale delayed but did not prevent the official presentation of the World Cup winner to an adoring (and drenched) crowd eager to catch a first glimpse of the biggest signing in league history.

Messi steals it, Messi scores it.ANOTHER BRACE FOR LEO. FIVE STRAIGHT GAMES. pic.twitter.com/t9pXjpFsNxJuly 13, 2025

Five Straight Braces. Messi became the first player in MLS history to record five multi-goal games in a row. His victims in that stretch? CF Montreal (twice), the Columbus Crew, the New England Revolution, and, lastly, Nashville SC.

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Inter Miami made history as the first MLS team to beat a European opponent in a competitive match — thanks, of course, to none other than Messi.

The star attacker capped off a comeback effort in Club World Cup group play by curling in a superb free kick, lifting La Rosanegra to a surprise 2-1 win over Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto.

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Messi helped write more history just days later. The Inter Miami captain and his side nearly pulled off another shock triumph over Brazilian heavyweight Palmeiras, but settled for a late 2-2 draw that still marked the first time an MLS outfit reached the knockout rounds of a Club World Cup.

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As if an 11-minute hat-trick was not impressive enough, what came with it made this feat even more memorable.

Messi’s three goals off the bench in a 6-2 pummelling of the Revolution made him Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer in less than two seasons while simultaneously helping his team break the MLS points record. Not a bad night at the office, yeah?

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It wasn’t a title, but it was a new piece for the trophy cabinet.

Messi and Inter Miami celebrated finishing with the best record in the regular season with a 3-2 road victory over the Columbus Crew, with the global icon finding the back of the net twice.

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An incredible recognition. Messi’s brilliance in his first full MLS season could not be denied, as he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in a private ceremony that was attended by Inter Miami’s academy players.

The living legend finished the regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists.

For the 8th time, Lionel Messi has been awarded the Ballon d’Or. pic.twitter.com/GxTDg7KaruOctober 30, 2023

Messi technically did not win the prestigious award for his Inter Miami exploits, but that still did not stop him from becoming the first active MLS player to claim the Ballon d’Or.

And what made the achievement in Paris even more poetic? Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was the man to reveal Messi had earned the accolade for a record eighth time before handing his player the trophy.

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You could not script it any better. Messi’s first game with Inter Miami will never be forgotten for how it ended: the talented No. 10 bending home a free kick in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win over Mexican club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

It almost felt unreal, and served as a perfect intro to his MLS era.

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Collective silverware hasn’t yet been abundant for Messi at Inter Miami, but the first trophy in team history came a mere month into his stateside excursion.

He lit up the Leagues Cup with goals throughout the run to the final, where he once again scored in a 1-1 draw with Nashville SC before converting his spot kick in an epic penalty shootout that ended in celebration.

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Lionel Messi led the charge for Inter Miami CF, scoring twice in the second half to extend his tally to five goals in the past nine days, securing a 4-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night at Citi Field and a spot in the 2025 Major League Soccer playoffs.

Miami head coach Javier Mascherano emphasized that the team had accomplished an important goal, but it was only the first step for a club with aspirations to repeat as Supporters’ Shield champions.

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“We are happy and with the tranquility of having achieved the first goal, which was to qualify for the playoffs. Now we’ll try to finish as high as possible in the standings, which would allow us to have home-field advantage,” Mascherano said.

Messi had the opportunity to record a hat trick when Inter Miami earned a penalty in the 83rd minute, but the Herons captain chose to give the chance to longtime teammate Luis Suárez instead.

“He has done that too many times in his career. Sometimes he looks at some teammates who haven’t scored and need a goal more than him,” Mascherano added.

“He tried to help in this way. For me, it’s great. He tried to show to everyone the team spirit, trying to involve all the players and players that maybe in this case Luis, needed to score. So it’s great.”

Messi has managed two or more goals in eight of the past 12 Inter Miami matches, becoming the fourth player in MLS history to record multiple goals in just eight games in a single season.

Lionel Messi has scored five goals and recorded three assists for Inter Miami in his past three games. Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

The team will now focus on the game against Toronto FC on Saturday night as Inter Miami looks to secure the 2025 Supporters’ Shield.

“We are happy because now we are officially qualified for the playoffs. That was very important for us. Now we have to continue moving forward,” Mascherano said.

“We know we have two games in hand, so we will try to rest and recover before going to Toronto. We know how difficult Saturday will be because we have less than 72 hours to play, but we’ll try to play our best and win the game and to qualify as high as possible. If we can win the five remaining games that we have, it will be great and we’ll have that chance to fight for the Supporters’ Shield.”

Miami sits in third place on the Eastern Conference table with 55 points in 29 games, two matches behind leaders Philadelphia Union.

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Few players have ever seen the game quite like Lionel Messi – scanning spaces before they even exist, turning the…