Lionel Messi put on a legendary performance, scoring two goals and providing two assists, as Inter Miami CF secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Nashville SC in the decisive Game 3 of their MLS Cup Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Saturday night.
The win, a historic first-ever playoff series advance for Inter Miami, sets up a mouth-watering Eastern Conference Semifinal clash against top-seeded FC Cincinnati.
The Argentine maestro, playing with a fire that defied his 38 years, wasted no time asserting his dominance at Chase Stadium. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute, firing a trademark left-footed shot into the lower corner. Messi then doubled the lead just six minutes before halftime, capitalizing on a pass from young forward Mateo Silvetti.
Nashville, already struggling, was fully dismantled in the second half by the sheer brilliance of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Messi turned provider, setting up fellow Argentine Tadeo Allende for a quick brace, with goals coming in the 73rd and 76th minutes, blowing the game wide open and sealing the 4-0 rout.
The victory showcased the resilience of Coach Javier Mascherano’s side, who were without the suspended Luis Suarez. Mascherano praised his star player’s all-around contribution: “To see Leo press like that at 38 years old is crazy. We all know about Leo with the ball, but what happened with Leo without the ball today was impressive. The team played an almost perfect game.”
Inter Miami now turns its attention to the single-elimination Eastern Conference Semifinal against FC Cincinnati, aiming to continue a run that would see them lift the MLS Cup title.
