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Lionel Messi continued to grind his way through the MLS playoffs, helping Inter Miami overcome FC Cincinnati and reach the Eastern Conference final on Sunday night.
Messi scored the first goal and added three more as Miami won 4-0 at TQL Stadium. They will face New York City next Saturday in Fort Lauderdale for the right to advance to the MLS final.
Argentina captain Messi opened the scoring after 19 minutes, heading in Matteo Silvetti’s cross from the left and then released his compatriot Silvetti to make it 2-0 12 minutes into the second half.
Tadeo Allende ended the home side’s challenge with a third shortly after the hour mark and then added another 16 minutes from time, both goals assisted by the unstoppable Messi.
« Weekend after weekend, he’s incredible, » Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi. We know how amazing he is on the ball, but he is the first person to apply pressure, directing the team.
« It’s a privilege to coach Leo. … He leads the team on defense, he presses high, so when teammates see Leo that way, it’s impossible (not to) follow him. It’s unbelievable. »
Mascherano praises sub Suarez
Luis Suarez came on for the final 14 minutes after being left on the bench, with Mascherano preferring to continue with Silvetti in attack, and the veteran Uruguayan earned praise from his boss after the game.
« I don’t like to single out individual players, especially on a night like this when I think in the end it’s the team that comes out stronger, the team as a whole, and when I talk about the team, I’m talking about all the players, not just the 11 that started, » Mascherano said.
« Obviously it’s not an easy decision for me when you have to drop a player like Luis, with his achievement, with the importance he has for the team and the club. But I also have to say it’s admirable how he handled the decision because we talked about it during the week, he understood, he helped his team-mates, he trained in the best way, he always supported.
« He showed the greatness that he has as a player and as a person, because we know that a lot of times when you have to make these decisions, it can be difficult for the other person to understand and the truth is that he was a clear example of his commitment to what he wants for the team, for the group, and he sent a great message first and foremost to his teammates. »
Record night for Messi
Messi now has 12 goals in the 2025 playoffs, six goals and six assists – bettering the single-season record set by Ante Razov, who had 10 in 1999 – and in this form it will be difficult for anyone to stop Miami.
Co-owner Jorge Mas said: « What they did today is what we expect. They took care of business.
« It’s always tough to walk away. Cincinnati is a great team. Our team is peaking at the right time. I think if you look at, you know how we performed against Nashville, our performance tonight, you know the fact that we have probably our best 11 without injuries. They’ve had the ability to coach, so we’re peaking at the right time. »
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