Inter Miami, led by captain Lionel Messi, started their MLS Cup Playoff campaign in style with a 3–1 victory over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The win gives Miami an early advantage in the Best-of-Three first-round series, with the next match scheduled to take place at Geodis Park, Nashville, on November 2, 2025. Should Nashville win that fixture, the decisive third match will be played on November 8, 2025.
Match Summary: Messi Leads by Example
Despite the final score, the game wasn’t a walk in the park for Inter Miami. Nashville started brightly and almost stunned the home crowd in the 11th minute when Jacob Shaffelburg broke free down the left. However, he slipped at the crucial moment, allowing goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo to save comfortably — a moment that marked the beginning of Miami’s dominance.
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute through a moment of pure Argentine chemistry. Rodrigo De Paul intercepted a pass and quickly released Messi, who drew two defenders before slipping the ball wide to Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan striker returned the favor with a low cross into the box, which Messi met with a brilliant diving header to make it 1–0 for Inter Miami.
Nashville tried to respond quickly, but Joe Willis, their goalkeeper, was kept busy denying multiple attempts — including a one-on-one effort from Tadeo Allende in the 31st minute. Moments later, Messi almost doubled the lead with a cheeky quick free-kick, setting up Ian Fray, whose shot brushed the side netting.
Before halftime, Messi once again delivered a perfect corner kick that nearly resulted in another goal. Suárez’s back-to-back strikes were heroically blocked by Nashville’s defense and the ever-alert Willis. The first half ended 1–0, with Inter Miami fully in control.
Second Half: Allende and Messi Seal the Win
Inter Miami continued to dictate the pace after the break, showing patience and precision in their build-up play. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Messi combined beautifully with Fray and Allende. Messi threaded a perfect through ball to Fray on the overlap, who sent a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box. Allende rose highest to head the ball past Willis, extending the lead to 2–0.
As Nashville began pushing forward in desperation, Inter Miami took advantage of the open spaces. In stoppage time, Jordi Alba’s curling cross from the left was mishandled by Willis, and Messi was there once again to calmly slot home his second goal of the night, making it 3–0.
However, Nashville managed to grab a late consolation through a stunning Hany Mukhtar free kick in the 11th minute of added time, curling perfectly into the top corner. Despite the late goal, it was too little, too late — and Inter Miami secured a convincing 3–1 victory in front of their home fans.
Lineups
Inter Miami (4-4-2):
Rocco Ríos Novo; Jordi Alba, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen, Ian Fray; Baltasar Rodríguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Tadeo Allende; Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi.
Coach: Javier Mascherano
Nashville SC (4-3-3):
Joe Willis; Daniel Lovitz, Jeisson Palacios, Walker Zimmerman, Andy Najar; Patrick Yazbek, Edvard Tagseth, Bryan Acosta; Jacob Shaffelburg, Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar.
Coach: B.J. Callaghan
Next Fixtures: Inter Miami vs Nashville
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Game 1: October 25, 2025 – Inter Miami 3–1 Nashville
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Game 2: November 2, 2025 – Nashville vs Inter Miami (Geodis Park)
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Game 3 (if needed): November 8, 2025 – Inter Miami vs Nashville
Messi’s Magic Continues
This performance once again highlighted why Lionel Messi remains the heart and soul of Inter Miami. With two goals and an assist, the Argentine maestro was directly involved in every attacking moment for the Herons. His connection with Suárez and Allende continues to blossom, giving Miami real confidence heading into the next leg.
If Messi maintains this form, Inter Miami could be one of the strongest contenders for the 2025 MLS Cup title — and fans at Chase Stadium are beginning to believe that another magical run might just be underway.
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