Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass on Saturday night, scoring a stunning hat-trick to power Inter Miami to a 5-2 win over Nashville SC, and in doing so, claimed Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot for the 2024 season.

The Argentine icon finished the regular season with 29 goals in 28 matches, edging out LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge (24 goals each) to top the league’s scoring charts. The performance not only secured Messi’s first MLS Golden Boot but also put him firmly in contention for back-to-back MVP honours.

“Leo was exceptional, as he always is,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. “We are witnessing greatness. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t win MVP again.”

Despite trailing 2-1 just before halftime, Messi sparked Miami’s comeback with a second-half penalty and an exquisite third goal to complete his hat-trick. The win locked Inter Miami in third place for Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference and set up a rematch against Nashville in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs on October 24.

The night began with Messi’s trademark left-foot strike from outside the box in the 34th minute, set up by longtime teammate Jordi Alba. But Nashville responded quickly, Surridge leveled with a clinical header in the 43rd, and Jacob Shaffelburg gave the visitors a 2-1 lead on the stroke of halftime.

Messi equalized from the spot in the 63rd after a handball call on Hany Mukhtar, and midfielder Baltasar Rodriguez gave Miami a 3-2 lead minutes later. In the 81st, Messi struck again, weaving through traffic before curling the ball past Joe Willis for his third of the night.

Telasco Segovia capped off the scoring deep into stoppage time, putting the result beyond doubt and leaving Nashville stunned.

Now with momentum and Messi in peak form, Inter Miami enter the postseason as serious contenders, powered by a legend who shows no signs of slowing down.