Messi Masterclass Fires Inter Miami Into Eastern Conference Final
<p>Lionel Messi delivered another dazzling big-game performance as <strong>Inter Miami</strong> stormed into the Eastern Conference championship with a dominant <strong>4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati</strong> in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday.</p><p>Playing at a packed <strong>TQL Stadium in Cincinnati</strong>, Miami produced a ruthless display of attacking football, with Messi at the heart of everything. The Argentine legend not only scored the opener but also created the other three goals, orchestrating a clinical dismantling of the Eastern Conference’s second seeds.</p><p>Miami, seeded third, are now just one win away from reaching their <strong>first MLS Cup final</strong>, and will face either <strong>Philadelphia</strong> or <strong>New York City FC</strong> in next Saturday’s Eastern Conference decider.</p><h3>Messi Leads the Way</h3><p>The match began with Cincinnati on the front foot, urged on by more than <strong>26,000 home fans</strong> hoping to witness an upset over Miami’s star-studded side. The hosts carved out early chances, with <strong>Kevin Denkey</strong> forcing Miami goalkeeper <strong>Rocco Rios Novo</strong> into a strong save after 15 minutes.</p><p>But that missed chance proved costly. Moments later, Messi punished Cincinnati with his trademark vision and movement. Spotting a gap down the left flank, he released <strong>Mateo Silvetti</strong>, the young Argentine forward who was preferred in the starting XI ahead of veteran <strong>Luis Suárez</strong>.</p><p>Silvetti drove forward and delivered a perfectly measured cross into the box, where Messi continued his run and guided a composed header into the net to make it <strong>1-0 to Inter Miami</strong>.</p><p>Cincinnati nearly responded quickly in the 22nd minute when <strong>Ender Echenique</strong> broke into space, but he dragged his effort wide of the far post, letting Miami off the hook. From that moment onwards, the momentum swung heavily towards the visitors.</p><p>Messi could have doubled Miami’s lead in the 27th minute after drifting into space once again, but his shot flashed just wide. Still, it felt like a matter of time before Miami’s pressure told.</p><h3>Silvetti and Allende Finish the Job</h3><p>Miami’s second goal arrived in the <strong>57th minute</strong> and again involved Messi and Silvetti combining brilliantly. Messi found Silvetti near the edge of the penalty area, and the teenage forward showed composure beyond his years, curling a superb finish into the corner to give Miami a <strong>2-0 cushion</strong>.</p><p>With Cincinnati forced to chase the game, more gaps began to appear at the back. That was exactly what a player of Messi’s calibre thrives on.</p><p>In the <strong>62nd minute</strong>, the Argentine maestro threaded a precise pass through the defence for <strong>Tadeo Allende</strong>, who made no mistake in front of goal to extend the lead to <strong>3-0</strong>. The move perfectly captured Miami’s performance on the night—sharp, quick, and ruthlessly effective.</p><p>Allende was not done yet. As Cincinnati pushed higher up the pitch in desperation, Miami continued to find space on the break. In the <strong>74th minute</strong>, Messi once again timed his pass to perfection, releasing Allende for his second of the game and Miami’s fourth. At 4-0, the result was beyond doubt and the home fans were left stunned as Miami celebrated a statement victory.</p><h3>Mascherano Hails ‘Nearly Perfect’ Display</h3><p>After the match, Miami head coach <strong>Javier Mascherano</strong> was full of admiration for both his star player and the entire team. He described the performance as close to <strong>“perfect”</strong>, praising the way his side handled a difficult away fixture against high-quality opposition.</p><p>Mascherano noted that his players showed strong mentality and tactical discipline on a challenging pitch, highlighting how they took control of the game after a tricky opening spell. He also emphasized that managing Messi is both an honour and a privilege, stressing that the Argentine’s influence without the ball was just as important as his magical moments with it.</p><p>According to Mascherano, Messi continues to prove week after week that he remains a decisive force at the highest level, inspiring his teammates through his work rate, creativity and leadership.</p><h3>Next Stop: Eastern Conference Final</h3><p>With this emphatic win, Inter Miami now turn their attention to the <strong>Eastern Conference championship match</strong>, where they will face the winner of the clash between <strong>Philadelphia</strong> and <strong>New York City FC</strong>.</p><p>The victors of the Eastern and Western Conference finals will meet in the <strong>MLS Cup championship game on December 6</strong>, where Miami hope to cap their season with a historic first title.</p><p>On the evidence of this performance, and with Messi in irresistible form, few teams will relish the prospect of facing Inter Miami in the games that matter most.</p>