Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat trick to secure the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot and lead Inter Miami to a resounding 5-2 victory over Nashville SC. The win clinched a playoff berth for Inter Miami, who finished third in the Eastern Conference. Messi’s three goals brought his season tally to an impressive 29 goals in 28 matches, solidifying his status as the league’s top scorer. Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge trailed behind with 24 goals each. Messi’s stellar display also bolstered his case for a second consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Inter Miami will face Nashville again in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting October 24. Coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s exceptional performance, stating, ‘Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the MVP for what he has demonstrated.’ The match saw Nashville take an early lead, but Messi’s brilliance, including a penalty and a curling shot through traffic, turned the tide in Miami’s favor. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, San Diego FC secured the top seed after a 4-0 victory over the Portland Timbers, while Dallas clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps. Real Salt Lake also advanced to the playoffs following a 2-2 draw with St. Louis.