Nashville SC ties MLS points record held by Messi & Inter Miami, eyes historic decision day

Since joining MLS, Lionel Messi has posted an exceptional campaign with Inter Miami, repeatedly shattering records that seemed unbreakable. Now, Nashville SC has matched one of his hallmark achievements, doing so in a surprisingly short span.

On matchday 33 of the 2026 MLS season, Nashville SC edged out the New York Red Bulls 3–2 at GEODIS Park. Although Nashville had already secured the Supporters’ Shield and the Eastern Conference’s top seed—making the result moot for playoff positioning—the win held profound historic weight.

The victory propelled Nashville to 74 points for the campaign, tying the MLS record for most single‑season points set by Messi and Inter Miami in their remarkable 2024 season.

Nashville SC set to break the MLS points record outright

Entering Decision Day, Nashville SC aims to dethrone Inter Miami and become the exclusive holders of the MLS points record. Achieving this will demand success on a difficult road, as they travel to TQL Stadium to face FC Cincinnati, which is fighting for a playoff spot.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami.

FC Cincinnati sits seventh in the Eastern Conference with 46 points heading into matchday 34. A win over Nashville would lock in an automatic best‑of‑three postseason series berth, and a slip by Philadelphia Union could even move them up to sixth place.

Alternatively, a loss would jeopardize Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. If Nashville beats them and the Columbus Crew wins, Cincinnati would fall to eighth or ninth place, landing them in the sudden‑death Wild Card play‑in match. Since Nashville needs just a point to reach 75 and claim the record solo, Decision Day promises a tactical battle where a drawn result could satisfy both clubs.

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