In a stunning display of football prowess, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a decisive 4-0 victory over Nashville on Saturday, securing their spot in the next round of the MLS Cup playoffs. The Argentine superstar was in phenomenal form, scoring two goals and setting up two more for his teammate.
Messi's Dominant Performance
The match, held on November 9, 2025, saw Messi open the scoring early in the 10th minute. He didn't stop there, adding a second goal in the 39th minute to give his team a commanding lead. His influence continued in the second half, where he provided the assists for both of Tadeo Allende's goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes, sealing the comprehensive 4-0 rout.
Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, was full of praise for his captain. "I want to congratulate Leo for the game he played," Mascherano said. He particularly highlighted Messi's work ethic without the ball, noting it was "impressive" to see the 38-year-old icon pressing so effectively from the front.
Team Effort and Playoff Implications
This victory allowed Inter Miami to win the best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series 2-1. This success is crucial as it helps the team avoid a third first-round exit in four seasons, having been eliminated by Atlanta and New York City in previous years.
"The team played an almost perfect game," Mascherano added, emphasizing the high intensity and organization from the first minute. He expressed relief that the team moved past the "fear" of an early exit that had lingered from last year's disappointment.
The team managed this dominant performance even without star striker Luis Suarez, who was suspended for one game due to violent conduct in the previous match against Nashville.
Looking Ahead: A Tough Conference Semifinal
With the series win, Inter Miami now advances to face FC Cincinnati in the second round. Cincinnati secured their place by defeating Columbus 2-1 in another thrilling series decider, with Brazilian striker Brenner Souza scoring the two decisive goals.
Mascherano acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "It's going to be a very tough conference semifinal." Despite finishing below Cincinnati in the regular season, the coach remains optimistic based on their previous performances.
In other playoff action, Minnesota United staged a remarkable comeback to eliminate Seattle in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw, setting up a Western Conference clash with the winner of the Portland vs. San Diego match.
