Lionel Messi starred as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati, keeping their MLS Cup final hopes alive with an impressive display of skill and precision on Sunday.
Messi scored once and assisted all other goals, setting up Tadeo Allende for a brace and Mateo Silvetti for the second goal. His playmaking ensured Miami dominated every stage of the match.
The win sets up a home clash against New York City FC in next Saturday’s Eastern Conference championship. NYCFC advanced with a 1-0 upset over top-seeded Philadelphia, courtesy of Maxi Moralez’s goal in the 27th minute.
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Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi and the team, describing their performance as nearly perfect. He highlighted Messi’s off-the-ball work and the squad’s character, noting the team executed every plan flawlessly against a strong Cincinnati side.
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At Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, a crowd of over 26,000 witnessed Miami take control early. Messi assisted Silvetti for the opener, then headed in a precise cross, while Cincinnati squandered key chances to level the score.
In the second half, Messi continued orchestrating attacks, assisting Silvetti again for the second goal and Allende for the third and fourth goals. Inter Miami now heads into the conference final full of confidence for a spot in the MLS Cup on December 6.