FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi” began ringing out at Chase Stadium shortly before kickoff of Friday’s Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs opener between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC .

They only got louder as the night progressed.

The superstar No. 10 fed off the energy of a pre-game ceremony commemorating his MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi conquest to lead Miami to a convincing 3-1 win in Game 1 of their Round One Best-of-3 Series.

Messi was the difference maker once again for the Herons, scoring his first-ever MLS postseason brace and adding a secondary assist on a Tadeo Allende goal in the second half as Miami put in a dominating performance behind their legendary captain.

“It’s always a pleasure playing next to him,” said fellow Argentine Rodrigo De P

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