Inter Miami secured a berth in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time. The team thrashed Nashville SC 4-0 in their crucial Game-3 at Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night.
The victory marked a milestone for Inter Miami, which had never previously advanced in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Miami’s success ensured Nashville SC’s elimination in the first round for a third consecutive year. The Florida club now prepares to face FC Cincinnati in a single-leg semifinal in two weeks.
Lionel Messi dished out a superb show once again, scoring twice with two assists to continue a dominant run across the three-match series. He contributed to all eight of Miami’s goals (five goals, three assists). His performance brought his career tally against Nashville to 15 goals, the most he has scored against any MLS opponent.
Besides Messi, Tadeo Allende delivered a significant impact in the second half. Allende scored two quick goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes. Both the strikes were assisted by Messi. His goals were the result of coordinated plays, involving a link-up with Jordi Alba for the first and a precise through ball from Messi for the second.
The match’s momentum was established early. In the 10th minute, Messi capitalized on a misplaced pass from Nashville’s Corcoran to score the opener with a low finish. Miami’s lead doubled in the 39th minute when Messi added a second following a defensive error by Walker Zimmerman, with Mateo Silvetti providing the assist.
