Lionel Messi Shines: Leads Miami to Eastern Final Victory Over Cincinnati

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Lionel Messi Shines: Leads Miami to Eastern Final Victory Over Cincinnati

Inter Miami CF achieved a significant milestone by defeating FC Cincinnati 4-0 at TQL Stadium. This victory marked the first time the team advanced to the Eastern Conference final in their history. The match took place on Sunday night in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Lionel Messi’s Stellar Performance

Captain Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in the match, scoring the first goal in the 19th minute. He headed the ball into the net after receiving a pass from Mateo Silvetti. Messi’s influence extended beyond scoring, as he provided assists for the subsequent goals.

First Goal: Lionel Messi (19th minute) – Header from Mateo Silvetti’s pass.
Second Goal: Mateo Silvetti (assisted by Messi) – Powerful shot into the lower right corner.
Third and Fourth Goals: Tadeo Allende (62nd and 74th minutes) – Both assisted by Messi.

Record-Setting Contributions

Messi’s outstanding performance set a remarkable MLS playoff record. He achieved a total of 12 goal contributions during the postseason, comprising six goals and six assists. This record highlights his vital role in Inter Miami’s playoff journey.

Game Context and Team Dynamics

Inter Miami faced a challenging season against FC Cincinnati in 2025, previously experiencing a loss and a draw during the regular season. Coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the team’s preparation for this playoff challenge, which proved successful as they dominated the match.

Another noteworthy aspect of the game was the return of Luis Suárez, who came off the bench in the second half after serving a suspension. Suárez replaced Allende in the closing minutes of the match.

Next Steps for Inter Miami

With this victory, Inter Miami CF is set to compete against New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final. This crucial match is scheduled for November 29 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. New York City FC secured their spot after defeating the Philadelphia Union.

Prior to this playoff encounter, FC Cincinnati had one of the best overall records in MLS, closely following Philadelphia and having won the Supporters Shield in 2024. They previously fell short against Columbus Crew in last year’s conference finals, making this defeat particularly disappointing.