Messi bags hat-trick as Inter roar into playoffs with 5-2 win over Nashville

TDT | Manama

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A rampant Lionel Messi scored a sensational hattrick to seal Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot award on Saturday as Inter Miami roared into the playoffs with a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC. The Argentine superstar tallied an astonishing 29 goals from 28 matches, with Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge tied for second best with 24 goals.

Messi claimed his first MLS Golden Boot and also staked his claim to a second straight Most Valuable Player award with a bravura performance that saw Inter rally to clinch third place in the Eastern Conference. They’ll face the same Nashville team in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting on October 24. “What can I say about Leo?” Inter coach Javier Mascherano said. “Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the Most Valuable Player award for what he has demonstrated.

“I’m happy for him because he has helped us win the match once again.” Nashville had seen some quality chances go begging when Messi put Miami in front in the 34th minute with a cracking goal from outside the penalty area. Messi took a pass from Jordi Alba and made one cut before he unleashed a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner. Nine minutes later, Nashville’s Surridge grabbed his 24th goal of the season when he headed in a pinpoint delivery from Hany Mukhtar at the near post.