Lionel Messi’s hat-trick powered Inter Miami to a 5-2 road win over Nashville SC to close out the MLS regular season in style, securing third place in the Eastern Conference. The Argentine star now sits on 29 goals, strengthening his case for a second straight MVP. The two sides will meet again in the first round of the playoffs.

Getty Images Sport'Leo has been exceptional'

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano believes Messi's emphatic regular season finale encapsulates his impact on the season. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner led MLS in assists with 19. 

"The reality is that Leo has been exceptional, as he usually is," Mascherano said. "I think if anyone had doubts about his regular season, he has cleared them all. He will surely be awarded the MVP."

Despite the strong result, Cincinnati's win over Charlotte prevented Inter Miami from finishing second in the Eastern Conference. The Herons' third-place finish means they will face Nashville again in the opening round of the playoffs. 

"I was hopeful that maybe Cincinnati wouldn’t get the win – it didn’t happen. Now we face [Nashville] again on Friday, and from that moment on, you’re playing for your entire season," Mascherano said. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDefense the focus

Inter Miami conceded 55 goals this season, which ranks fifth-worst in the Eastern Conference. With the team aiming to lift its first MLS Cup, Mascherano stressed his team can't afford the lapses it showed during the season in the playoffs. 

"We can’t fool ourselves; now we enter the decisive part, and every moment counts. We can’t make those mistakes again," he said.

History ahead?

Messi would make history if named MVP of the season, as he would become the first player in MLS history to win the award back-to-back.

Getty Images SportPlayoffs ahead

The MLS playoffs are set, and Inter Miami will face Nashville SC once again in their quest to win the 2025 MLS Cup. The first game of the series against Nashville will be on Friday at Chase Stadium.