The Argentine scores twice and assists two more as Miami set up a road clash with FC Cincinnati
Lionel Messi was at the heart of a historic night in South Florida as Inter Miami thrashed Nashville SC 4-0 at Chase Stadium to advance to the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time. Messi scored two first-half goals and assisted both of Tadeo Allende’s strikes after the break, contributing to all of Miami’s goals in the three-match series as the club shrugged off last year’s early playoff exit.
Miami jumped ahead after just ten minutes as Messi took advantage of Nashville’s defensive error, carrying the ball forward before finishing low past Joe Willis. The second came late in the first half, with Mateo Silvetti drawing defenders and rolling the ball for Messi to tap into an open net.
Nashville briefly rallied after the interval and saw a Sam Surridge goal ruled out for a foul, but Miami quickly regained control. Jordi Alba and Messi combined on the left before setting up Allende for a sharp close-range finish to make it 3-0. Minutes later, Messi sent Allende free with a through ball, and the Argentine forward sealed the rout by chipping the keeper for Miami’s fourth.
Coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s relentless work on and off the ball, noting, “Leo was the first who guided us on that high pressure. Seeing him press like he pressed today, at 38 years of age, it’s something crazy.” Allende echoed Messi’s influence, finishing with two goals and an assist in a match that also featured key contributions from Jordi Alba, Mateo Silvetti, and a composed defensive unit led by Rocco Rios Novo in goal.
The win extends the careers of retiring legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba for at least one more match and sets up a heavyweight showdown at FC Cincinnati, who finished level on points with Miami but host the single-elimination semifinal due to a superior tiebreaker. Miami have never beaten Cincinnati in two previous meetings this season and will need their stars, including Messi, Suárez (available again after suspension), De Paul, and Busquets, at their best to continue their historic run toward the MLS Cup.
Inter Miami’s comprehensive display, driven by Messi’s brilliance, demonstrates the team’s evolution and ambition as they chase their first league title. The stage is now set for a blockbuster showdown in Ohio, with Miami one step closer to the trophy that remains their ultimate goal.
