Sun Nov 09 04:42:00 UTC 2025: ## Messi Magic Propels Inter Miami to MLS Cup East Semifinals
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Lionel Messi continued his sensational form, scoring twice and assisting twice more as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 victory over Nashville SC in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night. The win marks the first time in club history that Inter Miami has advanced in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Messi was the driving force behind the victory, finishing the series with a staggering five goals and three assists, contributing to every single goal scored by third-seeded Miami. His two goals against Nashville bring his total against the club to 15, making them his most frequent victim in MLS.
Despite playing without Luis Suarez, who was serving a one-game suspension, Inter Miami dominated their opponents. Tadeo Allende stepped up in Suarez’s absence, netting two goals himself and adding an assist.
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a Nashville error to fire a low shot past goalkeeper Joe Willis. Another defensive blunder by Walker Zimmerman in the 39th minute allowed Messi to double the lead.
Nashville briefly thought they had pulled one back early in the second half, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul. Allende then sealed the victory with two goals in quick succession, both assisted by Messi.
The victory sets up an Eastern Conference Semifinal clash against No. 2 seed FC Cincinnati in two weeks. Notably, Messi has never scored against Cincinnati, adding an intriguing element to the upcoming matchup. For Nashville, the loss marks their third consecutive first-round playoff exit.
First Piper 