Messi absolutely dominates MLS 2025

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi continued to prove his superstar caliber by netting a hat-trick on the closing day of the MLS 2025 season, effectively wrapping up the Golden Boot competition in an undeniable way.

Three goals and an assist helped Inter Miami defeat Nashville SC 5-2, raising Messi’s total to 29 goals in just 28 matches. This achievement places him at the top of the league for goals scored, assists (19), and total goal contributions (48), dominating all attacking categories in MLS this season.

Moreover, Messi leads the league in Player of the Match awards with 5, has created the most chances with 32 key passes, and successfully dribbled past opponents 91 times, the highest in the entire league. At 38 years old, he maintains a level of performance that commands respect across MLS.

With this hat-trick, Messi is almost certain to claim the MLS Golden Boot. His closest rival, Denis Bouanga (LAFC), would need to score 6 goals against Colorado to overtake him, an almost impossible feat. Messi also becomes the first player in history to defend this title for two consecutive years.

Only three players have ever scored more goals than Messi in a single MLS regular season: Carlos Vela (34), Josef Martínez (31), and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (30). With 48 goal involvements, Messi is just one shy of Vela’s record for total decisive contributions.

This devastating form helped Inter Miami finish third in the Eastern Conference and secure home advantage in the playoffs, where they will face Nashville again. Coach Javier Mascherano praised: “Today, Leo once again showed his extraordinary quality as always. If anyone still doubted his season, there’s no reason left to question it now. He fully deserves the MVP award.”

From the long-range strike to open the scoring in the 35th minute, the cool penalty finish at 63 minutes, the left-footed shot completing his hat-trick at 81, to the late assist, Messi displayed the full skill set of a living legend.

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