Inter Argentine maestro nets twice as Miami crushes Nashville 4–0 to book semifinal date with Cincinnatwrote a new chapter in its young history on Saturday night, sealing its first-ever Major League Soccer playoff series win with a commanding 4–0 triumph over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Lionel Messi, the club’s captain and talisman, delivered yet another masterclass, scoring twice in the first half to set the tone for an unforgettable night in Fort Lauderdale.
Despite missing star striker Luis Suárez, who served a one-game suspension for violent conduct, Miami looked unshaken and hungry from the opening whistle. Messi’s first strike came in the 10th minute when he pounced on a loose ball in the final third and curled a precise effort into the bottom corner. His second, a slick finish late in the half, was set up by 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti — a fellow Rosario native — who filled Suárez’s role admirably.
For Silvetti, the assist was a moment to cherish. “Maybe right now one doesn’t realize it, but tomorrow it will hit me that I assisted Messi,” he said post-match. “It’s already an honor to share the field with him and all my teammates.”
Allende’s Double Seals the Victory
If Messi’s first-half display ensured control, Tadeo Allende’s late brace confirmed domination. The Argentine forward struck twice in quick succession within five minutes, with Messi turning provider for the second. His finishing touch sent the home crowd into raptures as Inter Miami clinched the Round 1 series 2–1 on aggregate.
Nashville attempted to mount a response, registering 11 shots on goal, but none could breach the composure and resilience of goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, who earned Miami’s first clean sheet of the postseason. Miami’s backline, marshaled by veteran Jordi Alba and center-back Tomás Avilés, remained organized and confident throughout.
Messi’s brilliance was again undeniable. Fresh from securing the MLS Golden Boot, the World Cup winner ended the three-game series with five goals — taking his personal tally against Nashville to an astonishing 12 in seven games since arriving in the United States.
Mascherano Praises “Near-Perfect” Performance Miami and Messi
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, himself a former Argentina international and long-time teammate of Messi, lauded his players’ composure and execution under pressure. “I think the team played almost perfectly,” Mascherano said in his post-match remarks. “We were very organized, very intense, and we pressed high from the first minute. The players fully understood what was at stake — and they delivered.”
The victory, Mascherano noted, carried emotional weight after the disappointment of previous campaigns. In 2024, Miami crashed out in the opening round despite winning the Supporters’ Shield. This time, they showed maturity, unity, and hunger to push beyond past limitations.
“I’m very happy because the team, with all its strengths and mistakes, has always given everything,” Mascherano continued. “After what happened last year, there was a sense of anxiety that it might happen again. But now, it’s all behind us — we’re looking forward.”
Veteran Legends Extend Their Journey
Saturday’s win also guaranteed at least one more match for Messi’s long-time Barcelona comrades Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both of whom have confirmed they will retire at the end of the season. The duo’s leadership and calm influence have been instrumental in guiding Miami’s younger talents through the tense playoff campaign.
Their connection with Messi continues to shine both on and off the pitch, giving the club’s historic achievement a touch of sentimental glory. “It’s special to do this alongside Jordi and Busi,” Messi was quoted as saying. “We’ve lived so many football moments together, and to keep winning here in Miami feels incredible.”
The bond among the trio — forged over a decade of dominance in Spain — now fuels Inter Miami’s newfound belief that greater triumphs may be just ahead.
Next Stop: Cincinnati Showdown
Inter Miami, now the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, will travel to Ohio to face No. 2 seed FC Cincinnati in the one-leg semifinal at TQL Stadium. The winner will progress to face either top-seeded Philadelphia Union or another emerging contender in the Eastern Conference final.
For Miami, the mission is clear: continue rewriting history. With Messi in sublime form and a squad brimming with confidence, the dream of lifting the MLS Cup — once deemed distant — now feels within reach.
As Coach Mascherano summed it up: “We’re proud, but not satisfied. The story continues — and this team is just getting started.”
