Lionel Messi put on a masterclass performance as Inter Miami cruised past Nashville 4-0 on Saturday, securing their place in the second round of the MLS Cup playoffs. Messi not only scored twice but also assisted Tadeo Allende for two additional goals, putting the game firmly beyond Nashville’s reach.
The Argentine star opened the scoring in the 10th minute, doubled the lead in the 39th, and later set up Allende for goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes, sealing Miami’s emphatic triumph. Coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s impact both on and off the ball, noting, “To see him press like that at 38 years old is incredible. We all know Messi with the ball, but his work without it today was equally impressive.”
Inter Miami won the best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series 2-1 and will now face FC Cincinnati, who overcame Columbus 2-1 in their own series-decider. Mascherano reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “We were at a very high level in all lines, very intense from the first minute, very organized, and exceptional in high pressure.”
Messi’s performance ensures Miami avoids a first-round exit for the third time in four seasons, following last year’s loss to Atlanta and a 2022 exit against New York City. “After last year, there was a sense of fear it could happen again,” Mascherano said. “Now, we can look ahead with confidence.”
In other playoff action, Minnesota United overcame Seattle in a 7-6 penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw, earning a second-round match against the winner of Portland and San Diego.
Miami was without striker Luis Suarez, who served a one-game suspension for violent conduct in last week’s loss at Nashville. Messi opened the scoring with a deft left-footed strike from the top of the box, followed by a second goal from a precise left-footed shot off a pass from Argentine teen Mateo Silvetti. Allende’s first goal came from close range after a Messi-Jordi Alba combination, and he later converted a long, high chip delivered by Messi for the fourth.
In Cincinnati, Canadian Jacen Russell-Rowe briefly gave Columbus a 1-0 lead in the 61st minute, but Brazilian striker Brenner Souza scored twice to secure Cincinnati’s home clash against Miami in the next round. Mascherano acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting, “It will be a very tough conference semifinal, but after our second-leg performance, I am left with very good feelings.”
Inter Miami now advances with momentum and Messi leading the charge, ready to challenge Cincinnati in a high-stakes MLS playoff showdown.
