Lionel Messi Scores Rare Flying Header as Inter Miami Beat Nashville SC 3-1 in MLS Playoffs — Watch Video

Lionel Messi stole the show once again, with a highly unusual and spectacular diving header that helped Inter Miami defeat Nashville SC 3-1 in the opening MLS Eastern Conference first-round playoff-match series on Friday night.

The Argentine legend, who had been awarded the Golden Boot trophy before kickoff, gave his vintage performance by scoring two goals and one assist that helped Miami closer to a second-round berth.

Messi's Magic Lifts Miami

Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, diving to meet a cross and sending the ball past the keeper with a rare headed goal from a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Messi again looked to set up another attack and in the 62nd minute, after his pass to Ian Fray, Fray assisted Tadeo Allende for Miami's second goal.

Messi added another in stoppage time, dribbling into the box with a bit of a deflection before an easy tap-in to get Miami the 3-1 victory.

Late into stoppage time, at 101 minutes, Hany Mukhtar set up a consolation goal with a brilliant free kick.

Watch: Flying header from Lionel Messi against Nashville SC

Playoff Route

With the win, Inter Miami now leads the best-of-three series 1-0. Game 2 will be held in Nashville on November 1, with Game 3, if required, to happen on November 8 in Fort Lauderdale.

The win ended up coming just a day after Inter Miami announced a three-year contract extension for Messi, which is an immense boost for the club and MLS.

Garber Praises Messi's Influence

While handing the Golden Boot, MLS Commissioner Don Garber remarked about Messi's impact on U. S. soccer:

"I don't think we ever could have imagined that Leo would deliver for this club, this city, and this league the way he has," said Garber.

"He has reset the trajectory of Major League Soccer. Having him for three more years is truly a gift that keeps on giving."

Record-Breaking Form

While Messi concluded the regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists, totaling 48 suites, he just fell one short of Carlos Vela's MLS record from 2019.

The Miami icon is also the odds-on favourite for his second consecutive MVP, a feat only done once before, and that was by Preki (1997 and 2003).