Messi scores, sets up 3 as Inter Miami advances
CINCINNATI – Inter Miami booked their place in the Eastern Conference final for the first time on Sunday, defeating FC Cincinnati 4-0 at TQL Stadium with Lionel Messi contributing a goal and three assists in a dominant MLS Cup playoff performance.
Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, meeting a cross from Mateo Silvetti with a precise header to give Miami an early lead. The 37-year-old then turned provider shortly before halftime, slipping a pass to Silvetti, who drove a low finish inside the far post to double the advantage.
Miami extended their lead after the interval through Tadeo Allende, who struck twice in the 62nd and 74th minutes. Both goals were created by Messi, whose distribution repeatedly exposed Cincinnati’s defensive shape. The Argentine’s four-goal contribution brought him to 12 in the postseason — an MLS playoff single-season record.
Luis Suárez returned from suspension to feature late in the match, replacing Allende for the closing minutes as Miami saw out a comprehensive victory. The club’s performance came despite failing to beat Cincinnati during the regular season, when they suffered a 3-0 away defeat and were held to a goalless draw at home while missing Messi and Jordi Alba.
Head coach Javier Mascherano said ahead of the match that Miami were well-prepared for the challenge, and his side delivered in front of a capacity crowd of 25,513. The result ends a strong year for Cincinnati, who entered the postseason with the league’s second-best record after winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.
Inter Miami will face New York City FC in the conference final on Nov. 29 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale as they continue their push for a first MLS Cup final appearance.