Lionel Messi once again proved unstoppable as Inter Miami thrashed Nashville SC 4–0 to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Argentine legend scored twice and provided one assist in a brilliant display at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. It was a dominant response after his brace inspired Miami in the playoff opener and a reminder of how decisive he can be when it matters most.
Messi got Miami going early, picking up a loose ball and firing into the bottom corner in the 10th minute. He doubled the lead just before halftime after linking up with Mateo Silvetti, slotting calmly into an open net. The 38-year-old’s class was on full display again in the second half, setting up one of Tadeo Allende’s goals that sealed the emphatic win. The result also avenged Miami’s previous defeat to Nashville in Game 2 of the series, as reported by SoftFootball.
Allende, just 25, showed sharp instincts inside the box, scoring twice within three minutes, first from close range after a neat passing move involving Jordi Alba, then finishing a clever through ball from Messi to make it four. It was the kind of fluid attacking football that’s becoming Miami’s hallmark under Gerardo Martino.
Nashville, who had gone toe-to-toe in the first two games, could not cope with Miami’s speed and precision. Their best moment came seconds after halftime when Sam Surridge had the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for a foul on Maxi Falcón. After that, the visitors faded as Miami controlled every phase of play.
For Miami, this marks their first-ever trip to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, as shared on their official X account, where they will face FC Cincinnati in a single-leg clash. With Messi now up to five goals and three assists in the playoffs, the Herons suddenly look like genuine MLS Cup contenders and maybe even favourites.
