Argentine superstar Lionel Messi delivered a breathtaking performance, scoring one goal and setting up three others to power Inter Miami to a commanding 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Sunday. This dominant win in the Major League Soccer playoffs propels Miami into the Eastern Conference championship match.
Miami's Dominant Display Seals Victory
The match, played before a sold-out crowd of over 26,000 at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium, saw the home side start brightly. However, their failure to convert early chances proved costly. Miami took the lead soon after when Messi combined brilliantly with teenage starter Mateo Silvetti. Messi found Silvetti on the left, who returned the favour with a perfect cross for the maestro to head home calmly.
After Cincinnati squandered a golden opportunity to equalize, Inter Miami took full control of the game. The team's relentless and precise attacking play, orchestrated by Messi, eventually broke down Cincinnati's resistance completely in the second half.
Messi The Conductor in Second-Half Blitz
On the 57th minute, Messi turned provider, picking out Silvetti on the edge of the area. The young Argentine international curled a beautiful shot into the net to double Miami's lead. As Cincinnati pushed forward in desperation, more space opened up, and Messi exploited it perfectly.
He threaded a sublime pass to Tadeo Allende for Miami's third goal just five minutes later. Messi was not done, springing the offside trap once more to set up Allende for his second and Miami's fourth goal in the 74th minute, putting the result beyond any doubt.
Road to the MLS Cup Final
With this resounding victory, third-seeded Inter Miami now advances to host the Eastern Conference final this coming Saturday. Their opponents will be New York City FC, the 2021 MLS Cup champions, who upset top-seeded Philadelphia 1-0 in the other semi-final courtesy of a goal from Maxi Moralez.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano was full of praise for his team, calling their performance "practically perfect." He specifically highlighted Messi's incredible work ethic and influence on the game, both with and without the ball. The winner of the Miami vs. NYCFC clash will earn a spot in the MLS Cup championship game on December 6.
