Messi Continues Making History with Another Brilliant MLS Performance

Lionel Messi added another chapter to his historic Major League Soccer journey on Saturday, scoring twice in Inter Miami’s 2–1 victory over Nashville SC. With the brace, he extended his MLS-record streak to five consecutive gameswith multiple goals — the longest such run in league history.

Just last week, Messi became the first player in MLS to score two or more goals in four straight league matches. Now, he has taken that record even further, finding the net in each half to help Miami secure its fifth consecutive win. The club moved up to fifth in the Supporters’ Shield standings as it continues its quest for a second straight title.

With 16 goals in 16 matches, Messi is currently tied at the top of the scoring charts with Nashville's Sam Surridge.

The Argentine legend opened the scoring in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a perfectly placed free kick in the 17th minute. With a low left-footed shot, he beat both the wall and goalkeeper Joe Willis, sending the ball into the bottom corner. It was Messi’s 69th career goal from a direct free kick, and his sixth for Inter Miami. It also marked his sixth consecutive MLS game with a goal, just one shy of his personal best in the league, set last year.

Messi’s second, record-extending goal came in the 62nd minute. After intercepting a misplaced pass from Willis, he calmly rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net. This is the first time since 2012 — during his time at Barcelona — that Messi has recorded multiple goals in five straight league matches.

In between Messi’s goals, Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar equalized with a fine finish off a precise cross from Andy Nájar. Nashville entered the match on a five-game winning streak and had climbed to third in the Supporters’ Shield race. The club’s run was also the longest active unbeaten streak in MLS and the best stretch in Nashville’s six-year history, spanning back to mid-April across all competitions.

With the win, Inter Miami closed the gap to just five points behind Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati — and still has three games in hand due to its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Information from the Associated Press and ESPN Research contributed to this report.