Lionel Messi delivered a dazzling display to carry Inter Miami into the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, ensuring the team avoided an early elimination for the third time in four seasons. Despite missing suspended striker Luis Suarez, Miami showed complete control with a 4-0 triumph over Nashville SC in a decisive series finale in Fort Lauderdale.
The Argentine icon opened the scoring in just the 10th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball before firing a precise left-footed strike into the bottom right corner. Messi struck again before the break, bending a long-range shot past the keeper following a well-timed setup from young forward Mateo Silvetti.
Miami’s dominance continued in the second half as Messi turned provider twice. He set up Allende for a pair of quick goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes, closing out a confident victory and securing a second-round matchup against FC Cincinnati, who advanced with a comeback win over Columbus.
In addition to his brace, Messi reached another landmark with his 400th career assist, extending his status as the most prolific active playmaker in world football. The tally includes contributions for Barcelona, Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami, and places him just four behind Ferenc Puskás on the all-time list. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 259 assists leave him well adrift of Messi’s creative achievements.
The win highlighted a renewed playoff push for Inter Miami, who fell in previous opening-round attempts against New York City in 2022 and Atlanta in 2023. The team now carries strong momentum into the next phase with their captain once again proving unstoppable.
Elsewhere in the league, Minnesota United advanced after a tense penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw against Seattle in the Western Conference. They now wait for the result between Portland and top seed San Diego. Meanwhile in Cincinnati, Brazilian striker Brenner Souza’s late heroics sealed a 2-1 turnaround victory, sending FC Cincinnati forward to meet Messi’s Miami in the upcoming round.