Messi strikes Again 🐐👑

 

Lionel Messi Extends MLS-Record Streak with Two More Goals in Inter Miami’s 2-1 Victory

Fort Lauderdale, FL – July 13, 2025

Lionel Messi continues to redefine Major League Soccer (MLS) history, extending his record-breaking streak of multi-goal games to five with a brace in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The Argentine superstar’s performance not only secured a fifth consecutive victory for Inter Miami but also snapped Nashville’s impressive 15-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark free-kick, bending a low shot through Nashville’s defensive wall to claim his 69th career direct free-kick goal and his sixth with Inter Miami. The second goal came in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a critical error by Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis, who made an ill-advised pass directly to Messi, allowing the 38-year-old to slot home an easy tap-in. This brace marked Messi’s fifth straight MLS match with multiple goals, a feat unmatched in the league’s 29-year history.

Despite Nashville’s equalizer early in the second half from Hany Mukhtar, who headed in a cross from Andy Nájar, Messi’s second goal proved decisive. Inter Miami (11-3-5, 38 points) now sits fifth in the Supporters’ Shield standings, just three points behind Nashville (12-5-5, 41 points) and five behind Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union, with games in hand.

Messi’s remarkable form has seen him score 10 goals in his last five MLS matches, bringing his season tally to 16 goals in 16 games, tying him with Nashville’s Sam Surridge for the league’s top scorer. Additionally, Messi has contributed seven assists, placing him second in the MLS for goal contributions with 23, trailing only San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer.

The victory further solidifies Messi’s dominance against Nashville, having now scored five goals in five matches against them since joining Inter Miami in 2023. His performance drew praise from head coach Javier Mascherano, who opted to start Messi despite a congested schedule, highlighting the Argentine’s enduring brilliance. “Leo is a special player. For me, the best player that has played this sport in history,” Mascherano said.

Messi’s free-kick prowess also edges him closer to another historic milestone. With 69 direct free-kick goals, he is closing in on the all-time record held by Brazilian midfielder Juninho Pernambucano, who scored 77. At 38, Messi shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to elevate Inter Miami and the MLS with his unparalleled skill.

Inter Miami returns to action on Wednesday against FC Cincinnati, while Nashville hosts Columbus, as both teams vie for top spots in the Eastern Conference. With Messi in scintillating form, the Herons are firmly in the playoff conversation, and fans are already anticipating more record-breaking moments from the nine-time Ballon d’Or winner.🐐