Lionel Messi delivered a vintage display as Inter Miami moved one step closer to their first MLS Cup final, cruising to a 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Sunday.
The Argentine star scored once and assisted all three of Miami’s remaining goals, with Tadeo Allende netting twice and Mateo Silvetti adding another. The win sends Miami into next Saturday’s Eastern Conference championship.
Inter Miami will host New York City FC for a place in the MLS Cup final after NYCFC, the 2021 champions, upset top-seeded Philadelphia 1-0. Argentine forward Maxi Moralez scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute.
Buoyed by confidence, third-seeded Miami produced a dominant, high-tempo performance to eliminate second-seeded Cincinnati. Head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi and the entire team for what he called a “near-perfect” outing.
“I’m proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent,” Mascherano said. “The players showed incredible character and delivered a practically perfect match. It’s an honour to manage Leo and this group. We know what he can do; he proves it every weekend.”
A sold-out crowd of over 26,000 at TQL Stadium saw Cincinnati start brightly. Kevin Denkey forced an early save from Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo before Messi opened the scoring. The captain combined with 19-year-old Silvetti, who crossed for Messi to head home.
Cincinnati wasted a chance to equalise moments later through Ender Echenique, but Miami quickly took control. Messi nearly doubled the lead before the break and later set up Silvetti in the 57th minute to make it 2-0.
As Cincinnati pushed forward, Miami exploited the space with ease. Messi found Allende for the third in the 62nd minute and again in the 74th minute to complete the 4-0 rout.
The winners of next Saturday’s Eastern and Western Conference finals will advance to the MLS Cup on December 6. Vancouver await the winner of Monday’s Western semifinal between San Diego and Minnesota United.
