Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published on Sunday, 09 November 2025, 08:13 / Updated on Sunday, 09 November 2025 08:13
Lionel Messi38 years old, managed two goals in Inter Miami – Nashville (4-0)in the MLS Cup play-offs, and provided the decisive assists to the other two successes of his team, signed by Tadeo Allende.
Messi was again a one man show. And what a show! Basically, he put the victory of Inter Miami on the plate in the duel with Nashville (4-0). The captain of Argentina started his performance in the 10th minute, with a shot to the left of the opposing goalkeeper, for 1-0. Then, in the 39th minute, he doubled Inter's lead with another spectacular finishalso from the edge of the square.
Lionel Messi, assists on goals 3 and 4, after the “double” in the first half
Leo also contributed after the restart to the hosts' “dower” of goals, with two assists. Beneficiary, Tadeo Allende. First in the 73rd minute, then in the 76th. Final score, 4-0. Inter Miami thus prevailed 2-1 overall in the first-round series of the Eastern Conference and qualified for the second round of the MLS Cup play-offs, where they will meet FC Cincinnati, victorious 2-1 in the decisive duel with Columbus.
The Miami team thus avoided a third premature elimination, after the failures in 2022, with New York City, and 2023, with Atlanta. Thanks to Messi's sensational form, Inter never felt the absence of their other lethal player, Uruguayan Luis Suárez, suspended for one match for violent conduct in the previous game.
Lionel Messi has extended his contract with Inter Miami, but participation in the 2026 World Cup remains in doubt
On October 23rd, Leo (38 years old) put an end to all speculation regarding his future and signed a new contract with Inter Miami, valid until 2028. The official announcement was made by Inter Miami through a video clip with the message “It's home”, filmed at the new stadium still under construction – Freedom Park, the billion dollar arena that will be inaugurated in 2026.
The 2022 World Champion later revealed that he would love to be in Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad, but is yet to make a decision on his participation. He hinted that it all depends on his fitness: “I'll assess that day by day.” Argentina has already qualified for the final tournament hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada
Summary of the match Inter Miami – Nashville 4-0
