Lionel Messi delivered once again. With two goals and an assist, the Argentine led Inter Miami to a 4–0 win over Nashville, securing the Florida team’s first-ever spot in the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals. The forward’s performance not only sealed the team’s advancement but also marked a major milestone in his career on the American stage.
Messi’s blazing start
The match began with Inter Miami setting the tempo and pressing Nashville high. Just nine minutes in, a mistake in the visitors’ buildup allowed Messi to intercept, sprint toward goal, and fire from the edge of the box to open the scoring. It was the first goal of a night when everything seemed to click. At the 38-minute mark, the Argentine struck again. Silvetti received a long pass on the left and sent a low cross that found Messi unmarked to double the lead. By halftime, the number 10 had already done enough to put Miami in full control.
Along with his two goals, Messi was deeply involved in the team’s build-up play and kept Inter Miami’s attack flowing. The team dominated possession, moved the ball efficiently, and created consistent chances, heading into the break with a comfortable lead.
Allende completes the show
The second half confirmed what the first had suggested. Inter Miami kept control and pushed for more. In the 73rd minute, Jordi Alba played a quick one-two with Messi inside the box before squaring the ball for Tadeo Allende, who tapped it in. Three minutes later, Messi appeared again, sending a perfect pass to Allende, who chipped the goalkeeper to seal the 4–0 win.
That assist was Messi’s 400th of his career, counting club and international matches, a historic milestone that highlights his continued influence wherever he plays. With the result, Inter Miami clinched the best-of-three series 2–1 and advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time. Messi scored five of the team’s eight goals across the three games against Nashville and remains the top scorer of the MLS playoffs. The next challenge will be against Cincinnati, in a matchup that will once again test the Argentine’s power to decide big moments.