On July 12, 2025, Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, became the stage for another chapter in Lionel Messi’s storied career. The 38-year-old Argentine legend delivered a breathtaking performance, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami over Nashville SC in a high-stakes Major League Soccer (MLS) clash. This triumph not only snapped Nashville’s remarkable 15-game unbeaten streak but also extended Messi’s MLS-record streak of multi-goal games to five, solidifying his status as the league’s most dominant force. This article explores the match, its significance, and Messi’s enduring brilliance, crafted with SEO optimization to capture the excitement of this historic moment.
The Buildup: Messi’s Momentum Meets Nashville’s Streak
The anticipation for the Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC matchup was palpable, fueled by both teams’ contrasting narratives. Inter Miami, riding a wave of four consecutive MLS victories, returned to domestic play after a mixed FIFA Club World Cup campaign, where they reached the Round of 16 but fell to Paris Saint-Germain. Messi, who scored once in four Club World Cup matches, was back in top form, having notched braces in wins over Montreal, Columbus, and New England Revolution. His record-setting run of four straight multi-goal MLS games set the stage for a showdown with Nashville, a team that had not lost since April 19, 2025, against Seattle Sounders.
Nashville SC, sitting third in the Supporters’ Shield standings with a 12-5-5 record, posed a formidable challenge. Led by 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar and joint-top scorer Sam Surridge (16 goals), Nashville’s 15-game unbeaten run across all competitions was the longest in MLS history for the club. The matchup at Chase Stadium, attended by 20,000 fans including Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, promised a clash of titans, with Messi’s magic pitted against Nashville’s defensive resilience.
The Match: Messi’s Mastery Shines Through
From the opening whistle, Messi asserted his dominance. In the 17th minute, Inter Miami earned a free kick just outside the penalty area after a foul on Luis Suárez. Facing a tightly packed Nashville defensive wall, Messi delivered a moment of genius. His low, left-footed free kick threaded through a narrow gap, curling past goalkeeper Joe Willis into the bottom corner for his 69th career direct free-kick goal and sixth with Inter Miami. The Chase Stadium crowd erupted, and Messi’s celebration with teammates, including Suárez and Sergio Busquets, underscored the team’s unity.
Nashville responded in the 49th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. A precise cross from Andy Najar found Hany Mukhtar, who headed past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. The equalizer showcased Nashville’s attacking prowess, but their joy was short-lived. In the 62nd minute, Messi capitalized on a rare error by Willis, who misjudged a pass under pressure. The Argentine intercepted the ball inside the box, calmly rounded the keeper, and slotted it into an open net for the game-winning goal. The 2-1 scoreline held, with Inter Miami’s defense, anchored by Busquets, thwarting Nashville’s late attempts to equalize.
The match, which saw Messi play the full 90 minutes despite recent concerns about his workload, was a testament to his resilience and leadership. Inter Miami’s 11-3-5 record moved them to fifth in the Supporters’ Shield standings, five points behind Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati, with three games in hand due to their Club World Cup participation.
Messi’s Record-Breaking Brilliance
Messi’s brace against Nashville marked his fifth consecutive MLS game with multiple goals, a feat unmatched in league history. His 16 goals in 16 MLS matches this season tie him with Nashville’s Sam Surridge for the league lead, while his 23 goal contributions (16 goals, 7 assists) underscore his all-around impact. The performance added to his staggering career totals: 872 senior career goals, 760 club goals, and 56 goals for Inter Miami across all competitions. His first-half free kick was his 22nd goal of the 2024/2025 season, a tally that includes his MLS and Club World Cup contributions.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, a former Barcelona teammate, praised Messi’s relentless excellence. “There are not many words,” Mascherano said. “It’s incredible what he continues to do, breaking records every three days. He is the leader who shows us how to compete.” The victory highlighted Messi’s ability to perform under pressure, especially after playing 90-plus minutes in 14 consecutive matches, including seven straight games across MLS and the Club World Cup.
The Aftermath: Implications for Inter Miami and MLS
The win over Nashville solidified Inter Miami’s status as a Supporters’ Shield contender, with their fifth straight MLS victory signaling a team hitting its stride. The Herons’ depth, bolstered by former Barcelona stars Suárez and Busquets, has complemented Messi’s brilliance, making them a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. With three games in hand, Inter Miami’s path to overtaking Philadelphia and Cincinnati looks promising, especially if Messi maintains his current form.
For Nashville, the loss ended a historic unbeaten streak but did little to diminish their season’s success. Mukhtar’s goal and Surridge’s threat kept them competitive, but Messi’s clinical finishing proved the difference. Nashville’s next challenge comes against Columbus on July 16, 2025, while Inter Miami faces FC Cincinnati, a crucial test in their pursuit of the top spot.
Messi’s Legacy: The GOAT’s MLS Revolution
At 38, Lionel Messi continues to redefine what’s possible in soccer. His move to Inter Miami in 2023 sparked a surge in MLS popularity, with sold-out stadiums and global attention following his every move. His records—most assists in a single MLS game (five), most goal contributions in a match (six), and now the longest streak of multi-goal games—have elevated the league’s profile. Comparisons to his 2012 Barcelona season, where he scored in six straight multi-goal games, highlight his timeless quality.
Off the pitch, Messi’s presence has been a “blessing,” as Mascherano noted, inspiring teammates and fans alike. His ability to connect with players like Busquets, whose through balls and defensive work complement Messi’s attacking flair, recalls their Barcelona glory days. The jersey swap with Nashville’s Jeisson Palacios at halftime, a moment of respect amid a heated battle, further underscored Messi’s status as a global icon.
Why This Match Matters
The July 12, 2025, clash at Chase Stadium was more than a victory for Inter Miami; it was a showcase of Lionel Messi’s enduring greatness. His ability to dismantle a top-tier Nashville side, even after a grueling schedule, cements his place as the greatest of all time (GOAT). For MLS fans, the match was a reminder of the league’s growing competitiveness, with Inter Miami and Nashville representing the best of the Eastern Conference.
As Inter Miami looks ahead to a pivotal stretch of games, Messi’s leadership will be key. For Nashville, the loss is a setback but not a defeat, with their talented roster poised for a strong finish. For soccer enthusiasts worldwide, Messi’s performance was a dazzling reminder that, even at 38, the Argentine maestro remains unrivaled.
Keywords: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Nashville SC, MLS, brace, free kick, Chase Stadium, Supporters’ Shield, Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, Javier Mascherano, soccer, Eastern Conference, Club World Cup, goal-scoring record.
Last Updated on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 7:16 pm by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Sunday, July 13, 2025 7:16 pm | News Categories: Sports
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