Messi’s Brace and Historic Assist Lead Inter Miami to Their First-Ever MLS Semi-Final
For the first time in their history, Inter Miami have advanced to the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semi-finals. In the decisive final match of the Best-of-Three series, Miami thrashed Nashville 4–0 at Chase Stadium, with Lionel Messi scoring twice and providing an assist in a masterclass performance.
In the earlier two encounters of the series, Miami had won the opening match while Nashville levelled the contest in the second. The third fixture was therefore a make-or-break affair for both sides — a battle for survival. Miami emerged victorious in emphatic fashion, eliminating Nashville and booking a place in the next round, where they will face FC Cincinnati.
The match began at a blistering pace. Miami took the lead as early as the 10th minute. A misplaced pass from Nashville’s Corcoran gifted the ball to Messi near the halfway line. The Argentine maestro drove forward, glided past four defenders, and unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that rippled the net.
Messi struck again in the 39th minute. Jordi Alba launched a long diagonal ball that found Silvetti deep inside Nashville’s area. The forward cleverly laid the ball back for Messi, who was completely unmarked just outside the box. With trademark precision, he slotted home his second goal of the night to make it 2–0 before half-time.
In the second half, Facundo Allende took centre stage, scoring twice to complete the rout. In the 73rd minute, Alba combined beautifully with Messi along the touchline before delivering a back pass across the goalmouth, which Allende tapped in from close range. Only two minutes later, Allende struck again, this time from a sublime assist by Messi. Controlling a deft chip from the Argentine captain, Allende calmly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper into the top corner.
That assist marked a historic milestone — Messi’s 400th career assist, a record unmatched in professional football.
| Match Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Inter Miami vs Nashville |
| Result | Miami 4–0 Nashville |
| Goal Scorers | Messi (2), Allende (2) |
| Messi’s Assists | 1 (400th career assist) |
| Venue | Chase Stadium |
| Next Opponent | FC Cincinnati |
| Semi-final Date | 22 or 23 November |
On a night of personal achievement, Messi’s delight was magnified by his team’s progress. Last season, despite winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami crashed out in the first round of the play-offs. This time, however, they have cleared that hurdle and written a new chapter in their short but ambitious history.
With momentum on their side, Inter Miami and their talismanic captain now turn their focus to the Conference Final, scheduled for late November — a step closer to the coveted MLS Cup.
