Lionel Messi produced yet another dazzling performance as Inter Miami cruised past Nashville SC 4-0 to reach the MLS Cup semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history. The 38-year-old captain scored twice in the first half and provided two assists after the break, taking full control of a game that will be remembered for his brilliance.
Miami dominate the best-of-three series
The emphatic win sealed a 2-1 series victory for Javier Mascherano’s side. After a thrilling 3-2 win in the opening game and a narrow 2-1 defeat in the second, Miami made no mistake in the decider. Messi’s first goal came just 10 minutes in, finishing off a neat move created by Tadeo Allende. He doubled the lead before half-time with a sharp left-footed strike following Mauro Silvetti’s pass.
Allende joins the party
The second half saw Messi turn provider. His clever assist set up Allende for Miami’s third goal in the 73rd minute, before the Argentine returned the favour just three minutes later, teeing up Messi for another assist as Allende completed his brace. The Chase Stadium crowd of 19,049 witnessed a clinical display of attacking football that left Nashville with no answers.
Mascherano praises Messi’s leadership
Head coach Javier Mascherano hailed his former Argentina teammate for leading by example on and off the ball. “I want to congratulate Leo for the game he played,” said Mascherano. “We all know what he does with the ball, but what impressed me most was how he pressed and worked without it. To see him doing that at 38 years old is just crazy.”
Miami eye MLS Cup glory
The victory sends Inter Miami into the semi-finals, where they will face FC Cincinnati on the weekend of 22-23 November. It marks a major milestone for the Florida-based club, who had suffered early exits in two of the past three seasons.
In the day’s other quarter-final, Minnesota United edged out Seattle Sounders 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. They now await the winner of Sunday’s clash between Portland and San Diego FC.
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