FORT LAUDERDALE: Lionel Messi delivered yet another footballing masterclass, scoring twice and assisting two more as Inter Miami stormed into their first-ever MLS Cup Playoff semifinal with a dominant 4-0 win over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on Saturday.
The Argentine legend opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a trademark finish before doubling his tally in the 39th minute, putting Miami firmly in control.
Messi wasn’t done yet — in the second half, he turned provider, assisting compatriot Facundo Allende for back-to-back goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes, sealing an emphatic victory for Javier Mascherano’s side.
“He was the first one who guided us in high pressure. To see him press like that at 38 years old is crazy,” Mascherano said after the game.
“We all know Leo with the ball, but what happened with Leo without the ball today was impressive. I want to congratulate him for the game he played.”
A potential fifth goal was denied early in the second half when Sam Surridge’s effort was ruled out for a foul in the buildup.
With this commanding performance, Inter Miami booked their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinal, where they will meet second-seeded FC Cincinnati in two weeks’ time. Interestingly, Messi is still looking for his first career goal against the Ohio-based club.
The victory also marked another milestone in Inter Miami’s meteoric rise since Messi’s arrival, underscoring his transformative impact on the club and Major League Soccer as a whole.
