Inter Miami storms into first Eastern Conference final
Messi shines with goals and assists as team defeats Cincinnati 4-0 in dominant playoff display
Inter Miami advanced to its first Eastern Conference final with a commanding 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati, powered by a dominant performance from Lionel Messi and a second-half brace from Tadeo Allende. Messi opened the scoring with a 19th-minute header after a transitional sequence sparked by left back Jordi Alba’s interception; the Argentinian then supplied three assists as Miami pulled away in the second half. Nineteen-year-old Mateo Silvetti added a goal and an assist, producing a standout supporting display for the third seed.
The match at TQL Stadium remained evenly poised through the opening period until Messi met Silvetti’s outswinging cross to put Miami ahead. Silvetti doubled the lead in the 57th minute following quick interplay that began from a throw-in; Allende’s movement and Messi’s layoff created space for Silvetti to curl a finish inside the far post. Allende completed his brace with goals in the 62nd and 74th minutes, both coming on swift transition breaks engineered by Messi — one created by a ball recovery from Evander, the other finished with a precise through ball.
The result continues Miami’s blistering playoff form — a second consecutive 4-0 win after a decisive road victory over Nashville SC two weeks earlier — and marks the club’s deepest MLS Cup Playoff run since its founding. Messi’s postseason numbers reinforce his outsized influence: six goals and six assists in the playoffs so far, bringing him to a level of contribution that mirrors his standout regular season, where he scored prolifically and amassed numerous assists. Manager Javier Mascherano again opted not to start veteran striker Luis Suárez, who returned from suspension but was left on the bench as a younger front four flourished around Messi.
Cincinnati, the home side, suffered a third straight postseason elimination at home and fell one match short of reaching a second Eastern Conference final. The defeat leaves lingering questions for FC Cincinnati about breaking through on the road in high-stakes knockout fixtures, while Miami’s blend of superstar playmaking and youthful attacking depth poses a serious challenge to any remaining opponent.
Inter Miami will now face the winner of the semifinal between top seed Philadelphia and New York City FC for a place in the MLS Cup final. The club’s back-to-back emphatic playoff wins and Messi’s relentless creative and scoring output position Miami as one of the tournament favorites.
