Lionel Messi Equals 7-Year-Old MLS Record With Nashville Masterclass
Lionel Messi was once again involved with goals for Inter Miami in the MLS. Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 2-1 at the Chase Stadium with two goals from the Argentine star.
Messi scored a free-kick goal in the first half and then scored one of the easiest goals of his career. The Argentine already reached a milestone in the first half after his free-kick goal in the 17th minute. Messi is climbing the ranking of free-kick goals scored by any football player in history.
This past week, Messi set a record in the MLS when he scored two goals against the New England Revolution on Wednesday. Just a few days later, he overtakes his record he set and makes more MLS history.
Lionel Messi's MLS brace record
With another brace in the MLS, Messi becomes the first player in MLS history to score a brace in five straight games. He became the first player in MLS history to score a brace in four consecutive games against the New England Revolution.
Along with setting that record, Lionel Messi (11 goals in six games) equals former Atlanta United striker Josef Martínez for the most goals in a six-game span in MLS history. The record held by the Venezuelan striker was set in the summer of 2018.
In his last five games, Messi has ten goals for Inter Miami and is now the joint top goalscorer of the MLS along with Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge.
Messi has the second-most goal contributions in the MLS this season with 22, two below San Diego FC's Anders Dreyer. Messi doesn't show signs of slowing down despite being 38 years old and playing three MLS games in a week.
What's Next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami?
After the 2-1 win over Nashville, Inter Miami remain fifth in the Eastern Conference after 19 games played, but are currently on 38 points. The Herons are now three points below Nashville, which is third with 41 points.
Inter Miami is five points below first-place Philadelphia Union, with three games behind. Messi and Inter Miami are set to play on Wednesday against FC Cincinnati, who are second in the Eastern Conference.
Next weekend, Messi and Inter Miami will travel to New Jersey to take on the NY Red Bulls. Inter Miami returns to Chase Stadium on July 26 to take on FC Cincinnati. On July 30, Inter Miami will play Atlas FC to kick off their 2025 Leagues Cup journey.
Messi could potentially miss Inter Miami's match against FC Cincinnati on July 26, as he will be playing in the MLS All-Star game on July 23, which will be hosted in Austin, Texas, at the Q2 Stadium.
Inter Miami schedule for July
July 16: FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami (MLS)
July 19: NY Red Bulls vs Inter Miami (MLS)
July 26: Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati (MLS)
July 30: Inter Miami vs Atlas F.C. (Leagues Cup)
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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