Messi Masterclass Sends Inter Miami to Eastern Conference Semifinals
In a spectacular display of football brilliance, Lionel Messi delivered one of his finest performances for Inter Miami, scoring two goals and providing two assists to lead his team to a commanding 4-0 victory over Nashville SC in the decisive Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.
The match, played on Saturday night at Fort Lauderdale, saw the Argentine World Cup winner completely dominate the proceedings as third-seeded Inter Miami ousted sixth-seeded Nashville to advance in the MLS Cup playoffs.
First Half Dominance Sets the Tone
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a spectacular strike from the top of the 18-yard box, expertly navigating through four Nashville defenders before finding the back of the net. The goal demonstrated why the Argentine superstar remains one of the most formidable players in world football.
The second goal came in similar fashion during the 39th minute, with Messi finding himself in nearly the same position after Mateo Silvetti controlled a long pass and drew goalkeeper Joe Willis out of position. With an empty net awaiting, Messi made no mistake, doubling Inter Miami's advantage before halftime.
Second Half Seals the Victory
The second half saw Messi transition from scorer to provider, setting up teammate Tadeo Allende for two quick goals approximately three minutes apart. These assists effectively put the game beyond Nashville's reach and showcased Messi's complete offensive arsenal.
Nashville briefly thought they had pulled one back early in the second half when Sam Surridge found the net, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul called after Surridge's foot got tangled with Inter Miami's Maxi Falcon.
Historic Playoff Performance
Messi's influence throughout the entire first-round series has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Argentine maestro had a direct hand in all eight goals Inter Miami scored against Nashville, netting five himself while assisting on the other three across the three-game series.
This victory marks the first time Inter Miami has advanced this far in the MLS playoffs. The achievement is particularly significant given that the club lost in the first round last year despite being Supporters Shield winners, falling to Atlanta in Game 3 at home.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team's performance, stating, "I would say the team played a near-perfect game, through the defense, midfield and attack."
Looking Ahead: Cincinnati Challenge Awaits
Inter Miami now prepares to face FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinals, scheduled for November 22 or 23. The format shifts to single-elimination for the remainder of the playoffs, unlike the best-of-three first round.
The season series between Inter Miami and Cincinnati saw mixed results, with Cincinnati winning 3-0 at home on July 16 (a game Messi played in) and the teams playing to a scoreless draw at Fort Lauderdale on July 26 (without Messi in the lineup).
Veteran defender Jordi Alba, who made his 100th appearance for Inter Miami in the Nashville victory and has announced he will retire after this playoff run, acknowledged the challenge ahead: "We know Cincinnati will be a tough test."
Messi's Remarkable Season Continues
The Argentine superstar is now the heavy favorite to win his second consecutive MLS MVP award, which would make him the first back-to-back winner in league history. Messi also secured the Golden Boot as MLS's leading scorer this season and recently finalized a new three-year contract that will keep him with Inter Miami through 2028.
Inter Miami's impressive record this season shows they're 19-2-3 in MLS matches when scoring at least two goals, underscoring their offensive potency when they find their rhythm.
The winner of the Inter Miami-Cincinnati semifinal will face either top-seeded Philadelphia Union or fifth-seeded NYCFC in the Eastern Conference final. The MLS Cup final is scheduled for December 6, with Philadelphia, Cincinnati, or Inter Miami all positioned to host the championship match if they advance.
