When Lionel Messi tapped home two early strikes, Inter Miami CF seized a 3‑1 win over Nashville SC on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. The match opened the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and was streamed live on MLS’s official channels. Messi’s 889th and 890th career goals came at the 18‑minute and 62‑minute marks, respectively, giving the Argentine a rare brace and putting Miami in command of the series. The victory not only put Miami ahead 1‑0 in the best‑of‑three, it also underscored why the club signed Messi through 2028.
Match Overview
The opening round took place at Miami, a city buzzing with optimism after Messi’s arrival last summer. Inter Miami finished the regular season with 68 points, ranking second in the Eastern Conference, while Nashville entered the playoffs on a modest 58‑point tally. From the kickoff, Miami pressed high, forcing Nashville into a series of half‑chances that kept the visitors on edge.
By the 18th minute, Luis Suárez threaded a perfect through‑ball that split Nashville’s back line. Messi laced a low finish past goalkeeper Joe Willis, making it 1‑0. The South American duo seemed to have a telepathic connection, echoing their partnership at Barcelona.
How Messi Delivered the Brace
Messi’s first strike was textbook timing. He arrived at the edge of the box just as Suárez’s pass clipped the penalty spot, shifted his body, and curled the ball into the bottom‑right corner. The commentator’s Spanish‑language exclamation – “¡Palomita de Messi renovado!” – captured the magic. The second goal arrived in the 62nd minute, after a quick interchange on the right wing. A flick‑on from Jordi Alba found Messi near the edge of the six‑yard box. He rose, met the ball with his right foot, and slammed it home, sealing his 890th career goal. Statistically, the brace lifted Messi’s MLS goal tally to 32, bringing his overall professional tally to 890 – a milestone usually reserved for legends like Pelé.
Key Moments & Controversies
The match wasn’t all smooth sailing for Miami. Midway through the first half, Sergio Busquets earned the game’s first yellow card for a clumsy challenge that gave Nashville a free kick. The incident sparked a brief protest from the visiting fans, who shouted about perceived “hard fouls” against their midfield anchor.
Nashville’s response came courtesy of Walker Zimmerman, who headed in a corner in the 48th minute, narrowing the gap to 2‑1. However, the lead was short‑lived; a defensive lapse allowed Miami’s winger, Cody Gakpo, to slip a cross to Suárez, who tapped in the final goal at the 77th minute.
Adding to the drama, the broadcast referenced an odd anecdote from earlier this season – a rumor that Nashville had “punched Messi in the face” during a heated training session. While unverified, the story was used to illustrate the psychological edge Miami seemed to hold.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
Post‑match, Inter Miami head coach Gerard Houllier praised Messi’s composure: “When Lionel steps onto the pitch, you know something special is about to happen. His goals today were clinical.”
On the Nashville side, captain Keita Baldé admitted the team was “caught off guard by the early strike” but vowed to regroup. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” he said, echoing a sentiment shared by former MLS analyst John Duerden, who noted, “Playoff soccer is about handling pressure. Miami showed they can handle it when it counts.”
What This Means for the Playoff Series
With a 3‑1 win, Miami takes a commanding 1‑0 lead in a best‑of‑three format. The advantage is huge; a single loss now forces a decisive third game back in Nashville.
Statistically, teams that win the first leg by two or more goals win the series 78% of the time in MLS history. Miami’s defense, bolstered by Busquets and a disciplined back line, will look to keep the clean‑sheet momentum, while Nashville must find a way to break the Argentine’s spell.
Historical Context: Messi in MLS
Messi’s arrival in 2023 sparked a surge in MLS viewership, with ratings jumping 25% in his inaugural season. His contract extension through 2028, confirmed during the broadcast, signals the league’s intent to keep the superstar on American soil.
Comparatively, his 2022 playoff performance – a decisive goal against LAFC – set a precedent for rising to the occasion. The current brace adds another chapter, making him the first player in MLS history to score a playoff brace in his third season.
Key Facts
- Match date: Oct. 25, 2025
- Venue: Miami (specific stadium not disclosed)
- Final score: Inter Miami 3, Nashville SC 1
- Messi’s career goals: 890 (889th & 890th in this game)
- Series standing: Miami leads 1‑0 in a best‑of‑three
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s brace affect Inter Miami’s chances in the playoffs?
The two goals give Miami a three‑goal cushion and a 1‑0 series lead. Historically, teams that win the first leg by two or more goals win the series about 78% of the time, so Miami’s odds have jumped dramatically.
What were the key moments that turned the match in Miami’s favor?
Messi’s opening goal at 18 minutes, a second strike at 62 minutes, and a late third from Suárez after a Gakpo cross were decisive. Nashville’s lone goal came from a set‑piece header by Walker Zimmerman, but defensive lapses after that allowed Miami to pull away.
Who are the standout performers for Nashville despite the loss?
Walker Zimmerman’s aerial presence earned him the only Nashville goal, and goalkeeper Joe Willis made several crucial saves in the first half. Both showed resilience, but the team struggled to contain Messi’s movement.
What does Messi’s contract extension mean for MLS?
Extending Messi through 2028 locks a global icon in the league, boosting TV ratings, ticket sales, and sponsorship deals. It signals MLS’s ambition to retain top talent and grow its international profile.
When and where is Game 2 of the series scheduled?
Game 2 is set for Sunday, Oct. 27, 2025, at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. The venue change will test Miami’s ability to adapt to an away crowd.
