Mascherano backs Messi to win MLS MVP after record-breaking season

Javie Mascherano has backed Lionel Messi to claim the MLS MVP award once again.

Inter Miami hammered Nashville SC 5-2 on Saturday, with Messi capping his regular-season with the Golden Boot after netting a hat-trick.

Miami were required to mount a second-half comeback as goals from Sam Surridge and Jacob Shaffelburg cancelled out Messi’s opener.

The Argentine icon then went on to score another two, extending his tally to 29 goals, as he became the first ever player to finish an MLS campaign with at least 18 goals and 18 assists.

The 38-year-old registered seven shots on Saturday, with four of those hitting the target, while also creating five chances, including one assist, and he looks to be in line to become MLS MVP, which would make him the competition’s first back-to-back winner of the award.

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“Well, what can I say about Leo? The truth is, well, today he was exceptional, as he usually is,” Mascherano said.

“Clearly, I think if anyone had any doubts about what his regular season was like, the reality is that he’s cleared any doubts. They’ll surely give him the MVP award for everything he’s shown.

“Talking about the three goals he scored, well, happy for him because he helped us win the game again.”

Messi finished the regular season with 48 goal involvements in MLS, one shy of the record set by Carlos Vela (49).

Miami are set to meet Nashville again in the first round of the playoffs, with the two sides battling out over the course of three matches.