Messi Hat Trick Clinches Golden Boot, No.3 Seed

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and provided an assist as Inter Miami routed Nashville SC 5-2 on Decision Day, clinching third place in the Eastern Conference and a first-round playoff rematch with Nashville beginning Oct. 24. Messi finished the regular season with 29 goals in 28 matches to claim his first MLS Golden Boot, five clear of Denis Bouanga and Sam Surridge. The performance strengthened his case for a second straight MLS MVP, with coach Javier Mascherano calling him “exceptional.” The win left Inter Miami on 65 points and with the league’s most potent attack as they head into the best-of-three opening round. Messi’s 29 goals also pushed his season goal contributions close to MLS records, underscoring his central role in Miami’s title push.