Inter Miami kicked off their first-round MLS Playoffs series in style, defeating Nashville SC 3–1 in a commanding performance led by none other than Lionel Messi, who struck twice to guide his side toward a confident victory in Fort Lauderdale.

The opener came from a moment of pure footballing intelligence. Messi’s perfect timing on the offside line allowed Luis Suárez to stay onside before delivering a pinpoint cross to his long-time teammate. Messi met it with a close-range header — classic precision, clinical finish, 1–0 to Inter Miami.

The Argentine maestro was also instrumental in the second goal. Starting the move from deep, Messi found space before linking up brilliantly in attack, with Allende finishing the play with another sharp header from close range.

As stoppage time approached, Messi wasn’t done yet. A mix-up between Nashville’s goalkeeper and defender allowed the ball to slip through, and the World Cup winner was there to pounce — 3–0, game over. Hany Mukhtar grabbed a late consolation for Nashville, but the night belonged entirely to Messi and Miami.