Messi Magic: Brace, 400th Assist, and a Nutmeg Masterclass as Inter Miami Cruise into MLS Semifinals
<p>At 38 years old, <strong>Lionel Messi</strong> continues to redefine football brilliance. In yet another masterclass performance, the Inter Miami captain scored twice and registered a record-breaking <strong>400th career assist</strong>, leading his team to a dominant <strong>4–0 victory</strong> over Nashville SC in Game 3 of their first-round MLS playoff series.</p><p>With this emphatic win, Inter Miami sealed a place in the <strong>MLS Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in club history</strong> — a milestone moment powered by the timeless genius of one man.</p><h3><strong>Vintage Messi: Goals, Nutmegs, and Genius All Around</strong></h3><p>From the opening whistle at <strong>Chase Stadium</strong>, it was clear that Messi had arrived with intent. Inter Miami, facing a must-win scenario, immediately pressed high and took control of possession.</p><p>In the <strong>10th minute</strong>, Messi opened the scoring in trademark fashion — intercepting a misplaced pass, gliding past two defenders, and curling a low shot into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the penalty box. The stadium erupted as Miami took an early lead, and the momentum never shifted back.</p><p>The Argentine maestro doubled the advantage in the <strong>39th minute</strong>. A long diagonal ball from <strong>Jordi Alba</strong> found <strong>Mateo Silvetti</strong>, who smartly laid it off for Messi to tap home into an open net. It was classic interplay between Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Alba — a partnership that continues to thrive in Miami’s pink colors.</p><p>By halftime, Inter Miami were 2–0 up and fully in control. But Messi wasn’t done. The second half would deliver more magic and a historic milestone.</p><h3><strong>The 400th Assist — A Moment for the Ages</strong></h3><p>In the <strong>73rd minute</strong>, <strong>Tadeo Allende</strong> joined the scoring sheet, finishing off a beautiful move involving Messi and Alba to make it 3–0. But the night’s crowning moment came just minutes later.</p><p>In the <strong>76th minute</strong>, Messi collected the ball near midfield, surveyed the Nashville defense, and sliced through it with a <strong>pinpoint through ball</strong> that split two defenders perfectly. Allende latched onto it, chipped the keeper, and the scoreboard flashed 4–0.</p><p>That pass — a moment of vision and precision only Messi could produce — was officially his <strong>400th career assist</strong> across club and international football. The Chase Stadium crowd rose in unison, chanting his name as teammates mobbed him in celebration.</p><p>It was a fitting milestone for the man often celebrated as football’s greatest playmaker.</p><h3><strong>Messi’s Career Assist Record</strong></h3><p><strong>Barcelona:</strong> 269 assists</p><p><strong>Argentina:</strong> 60 assists</p><p><strong>Inter Miami CF:</strong> 37 assists</p><p><strong>Paris Saint-Germain:</strong> 34 assists</p><p>That tally now makes Messi the first player in history to record <strong>400 official assists</strong> in competitive football — a record few could even dream of approaching.</p><p>Messi’s recent MLS stats are equally jaw-dropping: <strong>15 goals and 11 assists in just 11 league appearances</strong> this season. His vision, control, and creativity continue to inspire a generation, proving age is just a number when it comes to footballing genius.</p><h3><strong>The Nutmeg Show — Messi Having Fun Again</strong></h3><p>Beyond the goals and assists, fans were treated to vintage Messi flair. Throughout the match, he repeatedly <strong>“megged” defenders</strong>, drawing cheers and applause with every touch. His composure and awareness under pressure turned the game into a spectacle.</p><p>Even Nashville’s defenders, though frustrated, couldn’t hide their admiration. As one fan put it online: <i>“It wasn’t a match — it was a Messi exhibition.”</i></p><h3><strong>Next Stop: Cincinnati</strong></h3><p>With a <strong>2–1 series victory</strong>, <strong>third-seeded Inter Miami</strong> now advance to the <strong>Eastern Conference semifinals</strong>, where they’ll face <strong>second-seeded FC Cincinnati</strong>. The single-elimination clash is set to take place at <strong>TQL Stadium</strong> on either <strong>Saturday, November 22</strong>, or <strong>Sunday, November 23</strong>, pending official confirmation from Major League Soccer.</p><p>The stakes couldn’t be higher. Miami, a team that struggled before Messi’s arrival, now stands on the brink of their biggest MLS achievement yet — fueled by the brilliance of a player who continues to turn every game into history.</p><h3><strong>Legacy in Motion</strong></h3><p>Lionel Messi’s latest performance is a reminder of why he remains football’s most influential player. His ability to score, assist, and lead — even at 38 — continues to inspire millions. For Inter Miami fans, it’s not just about the goals or records; it’s about witnessing a legend still at the peak of his art.</p><p>As the club celebrates its semifinal qualification, one truth stands tall: <strong>where there’s Messi, there’s magic.</strong></p>