Miami, July 13 (QNA) - Argentine star Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their fifth straight MLS win, defeating Nashville SC 2-1.

Messi opened the scoring for Inter Miami with a free kick in the 17th minute.

Nashville equalized early in the second half through Hany Mokhtar, before Messi restored his team's lead, capitalizing on a crucial error by the opposing goalkeeper in the 62nd minute.

With this win, Inter Miami moved to 38 points, five behind leaders Philadelphia Union. Miami has three games in hand, while Nashville remains third with 41 points.

Messi increased his tally to 16 goals in 16 MLS games this season, tying Nashville's Sam Surridge, who has 16 goals in 21 games, as the league's top scorer. (QNA)