MIAMI: Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass on Friday night, scoring twice to power Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Nashville SC in the opening game of their MLS Cup Round One playoff series.

The result gives Miami a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, with the next match scheduled in Nashville on November 1, where Messi and company will look to secure a place in the postseason knockout stage.

Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, heading home a precise cross from Luis Suárez to ignite the home crowd. Miami doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute through Tadeo Allende, who slotted in a calm finish after sustained pressure.

Nashville had their chances, but Messi sealed the contest in stoppage time with a moment of trademark brilliance. Collecting a pass from Jordi Alba, he made a sharp cut before curling a left-footed strike into the bottom corner — his second of the night and 31st goal of the year across competitions.

Though Hany Mukhtar pulled one back for Nashville in added time, it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his side’s depth and focus after the win.

“At this stage, every player matters,” said Mascherano. “We’ll need everyone to stay prepared if we want to reach the top.”

Before kickoff, MLS Commissioner Don Garber presented Messi with the Golden Boot award for finishing as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals in 28 matches. Garber hailed the Argentine legend’s transformative impact on the MLS.

“We could never have imagined how much Leo would elevate this club, this city, and this league,” Garber said.

Messi’s brace, combined with his Golden Boot triumph, further cements his legacy in American football — and signals that Inter Miami are serious contenders for the 2025 MLS Cup title.