Lionel Messi showcased his legendary talent in spectacular fashion on Sunday, orchestrating Inter Miami's comprehensive 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati that propelled the team to the Eastern Conference championship match.
Messi's Magical Performance
The Argentine superstar delivered what can only be described as a vintage display, scoring once and setting up all three of his team's other goals in a dominant playoff performance. Messi's contribution proved decisive as Inter Miami dismantled the second-seeded Cincinnati at a packed TQL Stadium.
The match began with Cincinnati showing early promise, with striker Kevin Denkey testing Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo after 15 minutes. However, the home team's bright start quickly faded as Messi began to impose his will on the game.
Goal-Scoring Breakdown
Miami broke the deadlock when Messi combined brilliantly with teenage compatriot Mateo Silvetti, who had been preferred in the starting lineup over veteran Luis Suarez. After receiving a precise pass from Messi down the left flank, Silvetti returned the favor with an accurate cross that Messi calmly headed home to open the scoring.
Cincinnati had opportunities to equalize, most notably when Venezuelan forward Ender Echenique found space but dragged his shot wide in the 22nd minute. As the match progressed, Miami's attacking superiority became increasingly evident.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Messi found Silvetti on the edge of the penalty area, and the Argentina under-20 international curled a beautiful shot into the net. With Cincinnati pushing forward desperately, spaces opened up that Miami exploited ruthlessly.
Messi then turned provider twice more for Tadeo Allende, first threading a pass that led to the third goal in the 62nd minute, then springing the offside trap to set up Allende for his second and Miami's fourth in the 74th minute.
Road to MLS Cup Final
This commanding victory sets up an Eastern Conference championship showdown next Saturday where Inter Miami will host New York City FC. The visiting team secured their spot in the conference final by upsetting top-seeded Philadelphia 1-0 in the night's other playoff match.
New York City, the 2021 MLS Cup champions, advanced thanks to Argentine forward Maxi Moralez's 27th-minute strike. Third-seeded Miami will enter this crucial fixture with tremendous confidence following their display of pace and precision against Cincinnati.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano heaped praise on his team after what he described as a near-perfect performance. "I'm proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent," Mascherano stated. "The players showed incredible character and played a practically perfect match."
The coach reserved special praise for Messi, noting: "It's an honor and a privilege not only to manage Leo but this group of players. We know what Leo is capable of; he proves it every weekend. Today, he did another incredible job off the ball, because we already know what he's capable of with it."
A sold-out crowd of just over 26,000 spectators at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium had hoped to witness a home victory against Mascherano's star-studded Miami lineup, but instead watched their team comprehensively outplayed.
The winners of next Saturday's Eastern and Western Conference finals will advance to the MLS Cup championship game scheduled for December 6. In the Western Conference, Vancouver will face the winner of Monday's matchup between top-seed San Diego and Minnesota United.
