Messi’s Brilliance Leads Miami to Historic Victory
Lionel Messi showcased his extraordinary talent with a first-half brace, guiding Inter Miami to a commanding 4-0 triumph over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on Saturday. This victory marks the first time in club history that Inter Miami advances in the MLS playoffs.
With the win, Miami secured the Round 1 series 2-1 and will now face No. 2 seed FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinal.
Mascherano Praises Team’s Performance
Miami coach Javier Mascherano lauded his squad, stating, “I think the team played almost perfectly. There are always things to improve, but we were at a very high level in every area—intense from the first minute, organized, and excellent at pressing high.”
Mascherano expressed gratitude to the players for understanding the significance of the match: “They really did a very good job, putting the club in a position it had never been in before.”
Overcoming the Absence of Luis Suárez
Inter Miami faced the game without veteran striker Luis Suárez, who was sidelined due to a one-game suspension for violent conduct in Game 2 of the series last week. Despite this setback, Messi gave Miami an early advantage in the 10th minute, driving the ball into the lower-right corner of the goal after taking control in the final third.
Messi later doubled the lead late in the second half, assisted by Mateo Silvetti, the 19-year-old rising star from Messi’s hometown of Rosario, Argentina. Silvetti replaced Suárez in the starting lineup and described the moment as unforgettable: “It’s an honor to share the field and add minutes with Messi and my elite teammates.”
Dominant Display Secures Series Win
Inter Miami maintained control throughout the match, with Allende contributing two goals in a five-minute span to solidify Miami’s advancement. Despite Nashville generating 11 shots, goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo delivered a flawless performance, keeping Miami’s first clean sheet of the 2025 postseason.
Messi, fresh off securing the Golden Boot for the regular season, finished the three-game series with five goals. He now boasts 12 goals in just seven matches against Nashville, his highest tally against any MLS opponent since joining Inter Miami in July 2023.
Looking Ahead to the Eastern Conference Semifinal
As the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, Miami will face FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium in Ohio in a one-game semifinal. This milestone is particularly significant for the club, which previously failed to progress beyond the first round in 2022 and 2024.
Reflecting on last year’s early playoff exit, Mascherano remarked, “I’m really happy because the team has always given its all throughout the season. It would have been very unfair to be eliminated at this stage. Now, we look ahead, leaving the past behind.”
Milestone Moments for Messi’s Teammates
Saturday’s victory also guaranteed at least one more playoff appearance for Messi’s longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both of whom have announced plans to retire at the end of the season.
The winner of the Inter Miami vs. Cincinnati match will face either top-seeded Philadelphia Union or fifth-seeded New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final.
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