Four-Point Night: Two Goals, Two Assists as Messi Sinks Nashville SC in Miami’s 4-0 Rout
FORT LAUDERDALE:Lionel Messi delivered a breathtaking performance, scoring two goals and providing two assists, as Inter Miami CF secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Nashville SC in Game 3 of their first-round MLS Cup Playoff series at Chase Stadium on Saturday.
The emphatic triumph sends the club to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time in its history.
The Argentine captain was central to all of Miami’s success. He opened the scoring early in the 10th minute before adding a second goal in the 39th minute to give the Herons a comfortable lead heading into the break.
Messi then turned provider in the second half, setting up compatriot Allende for two late goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes, sealing Miami’s dominant display and the 4-0 rout.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was quick to praise his star player, highlighting not only his renowned offensive skill but also his defensive work rate.
“He was the first one who guided us in high pressure. To see him press like that at 38 years old is crazy,” Mascherano said. “We all know about Leo with the ball, but what happened with Leo without the ball today was impressive. I want to congratulate him for the game he played.”
In an otherwise clinical performance, Miami had a goal disallowed early in the second half when Sam Surridge’s effort was chalked off for a foul.
Inter Miami’s historic run continues in two weeks when they will face second-seeded FC Cincinnati in a one-game Eastern Conference semifinal.
Intriguingly, the milestone victory sets up a challenging encounter for Messi, who is still searching for his first goal against the Ohio-based side. The match will be a stern test as Miami seeks to advance to the Conference Final.
