FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Lionel Messi will receive the MLS Golden Boot Award from Commissioner Don Garber before Inter Miami begins its pursuit of the 2025 MLS Cup on Friday, Oct. 24.
The pregame ceremony will take place before No. 3 Inter Miami hosts No. 6 Nashville SC in Game 1 of their MLS Cup Playoffs first-round, best-of-three series at Chase Stadium. The match begins at 8 p.m. ET.
Messi – who had a hat trick at Nashville to finish with 29 goals in the regular-season finale last week – will receive the award and play in his first match after signing a three-year extension to remain with the club one day earlier.
‘I’ve always said that I’ll base my decision on how I feel day to day and how I feel physically and mentally to continue playing and to continue being part of this club. And honestly, I felt really good during the year. I’m happy living in Miami, as is my family, and honestly, the decision was easy,’ Messi told NBC Nightly News.
Here’s everything you need to know about today’s Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC match, and follow along here for live updates from USA TODAY Sports:
Is Messi playing today?
Yes, Messi is expected to play. His status will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the match.
What time is the Inter Miami vs. Nashville match?
The match begins at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. in Nashville, 9 p.m. in Argentina).
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How to watch Inter Miami vs. Nashville on TV and live stream?
The match will be on Apple TV, FS1 and Fox Deportes in the United States.
Watch MLS Cup Playoffs on Apple TV
The latest on Messi’s new deal with Inter Miami
Messi agreed to a three-year contract extension through 2028 to remain with Inter Miami, the club announced on Thursday, Oct. 23.
‘Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to continue here,’ Messi said in a statement as he signed the contract inside Inter Miami’s future stadium, Miami Freedom Park, which is expected to open in 2026.
What happened in the last Inter Miami vs. Nashville match?
Messi scored in the 34th, 63rd and 81st minutes, and assisted Telasco Segovia’s final blow in 90’+1’. Baltasar Rodriguez (67’) also scored for Inter Miami in the 5-2 win.
Sam Surridge, who finished tied for second in the Golden Boot race with 24 goals like LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, scored in the 43rd minute. Jacob Shaffelburg also scored in first-half injury time (45’+6’) for Nashville.
Messi, Inter Miami MLS Cup playoff schedule
- Nov. 1: Game 2 at Nashville, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Nov. 8: Game 3 at Inter Miami, Time TBD (if necessary)
- No. 10-18: FIFA international window
- Nov. 22-23: Conference semifinals
- Nov. 29-30: Conference finals
- Dec. 6: MLS Cup Final