Lionel Messi netted a hat-trick as Inter Miami recovered from a goal down to romp to a 5-2 away MLS win over Nashville on Saturday, reported Xinhua.
Messi opened the scoring by controlling Jordi Alba's pass with his chest and dribbling past two defenders before rifling a 20-yard shot that beat goalkeeper Joe Willis at his near post.
Sam Surridge headed home an equalizer after Hany Mukhtar's cross and Jacob Shaffelburg then tapped in after Mukhtar's attempt rebounded off the post.
The visitors were back on level terms just after halftime courtesy of a Messi penalty following Andy Najar's handball.
Baltasar Rodriguez put Miami ahead when he pounced on a loose ball and finished clinically from the edge of the six-yard box.
The Florida outfit was relentless and Messi secured his hat-trick with a powerful drive into the far corner after a rapid one-two with Ian Fray.
Messi then turned provider as he ran onto Fray's cross before unselfishly passing to Telasco Segovia, who side-footed home from point-blank range.
The result means Inter Miami ended the regular season third in the Eastern Conference standings with 65 points, one behind leader Philadelphia. Nashville finished sixth, 11 points further back.
"What can I say about Leo? The truth is that he was exceptional today, as he usually is," Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano told reporters.
"They'll surely award him the MVP for everything he's done. I'm happy for him because he helped us win the game again."
Inter Miami and Nashville will meet again in the first round of the playoffs, which will be decided over three games.
Messi finished the regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists, winning the Golden Boot award for the league's top scorer.
- Messi
- Hattrick
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
