Lionel Messi marked another historic night on Saturday, reaching 894 career goals and 400 assists as he starred in Inter Miami’s 4-0 playoff victory over Nashville.
The Argentine superstar scored twice and set up two goals by Tadeo Allende, guiding Miami to a decisive win and a place in the second round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute, doubled the lead in the 39th, and later orchestrated Allende’s strikes in the 73rd and 76th minutes.
Miami coach, Javier Mascherano, praised Messi’s influence on and off the ball. “Seeing him press with such intensity at 38 years old is incredible,” Mascherano said. “We all know his brilliance with the ball, but today, his work without it was outstanding.”
Inter Miami won the best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series 2-1, avoiding another early exit after previous eliminations in 2022 and 2023.
The victory sets up a second-round clash against FC Cincinnati, who eliminated Columbus 2-1 in their deciding match.
MLS season goal-scoring leader Messi scored his first goal by controlling a deflected ball and curling a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner, then doubled the lead finishing a pass from teenage Argentine Mateo Silvetti.
Allende capitalized on Messi’s creativity for both of his goals, including a delicate chip from a long Messi pass.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati advanced after Brazilian striker Brenner Souza scored twice to overturn Jacen Russell-Rowe’s opener, setting up a showdown with Miami in the next round.
— Minnesota Beats Seattle on Penalties —
In the Western Conference, Minnesota United overcame Seattle 7-6 in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The match was decided in the 10th round when Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair scored the winning penalty, while Seattle’s Andrew Thomas missed the final shot after replacing injured starter Stefan Frei.
Seattle had equalized late through Jordan Morris, but Minnesota held on in dramatic fashion, advancing to face the winner of Portland vs. San Diego in the second round.
