MIAMI: Argentine superstar Lionel Messi scored twice to lift Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC on Friday in the opening game of their MLS Cup round one playoff series. Tadeo Allende also scored for Inter, who took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, with game two in Nashville on November 1. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi was presented with the Golden Boot award before the game after topping the regular-season scoring chart with 29 goals in 28 games.

Inter Miami are hoping Lionel Messi can inspire them to a first MLS Cup win through the play-offs and cement his legacy in the league.

Argentina's Lionel Messi signed a new contract with Inter Miami earlier on Thursday keeping him in the MLS until 2028.

MIAMI: Argentine superstar Lionel Messi scored twice to lift Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC on Friday in the opening game of their MLS Cup round one playoff…

Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates his new contract with Inter Miami by scoring twice in win against Nashville.