Lionel Messi produced a commanding performance, scoring two goals and adding two assists, to lead Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday. The decisive win clinched their best-of-three playoff series 2-1 and sent Inter Miami to the MLS Cup semi-finals for the first time in franchise history.
The 38-year-old Argentine forward put his side in control with two first-half goals. After the interval, Messi set up teammate Luis Suárez for two more, sealing the comprehensive victory and Miami’s progression to the Eastern Conference Final.
The result completes a hard-fought series win for Miami. After taking the opener 3-2, they fell 2-1 in the second match, forcing Saturday’s decisive third game. Across the three-match series, Messi was directly involved in all eight goals scored by Inter Miami, finishing with a total of five goals and three assists.
“I want to congratulate Leo for the game he played,” said Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. “He was the first one who guided us in high pressure. To see him press like that at 38 years old is crazy.”
Martino added: “We all know about Leo with the ball, but what happened with Leo without the ball today was impressive.”
Inter Miami, who had failed to advance past the first round in their previous playoff appearances, will now host FC Cincinnati in a single-elimination semi-final. The match is scheduled for the weekend of November 22-23.
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