Lionel Messi produced another vintage performance on Sunday, leading Inter Miami one step closer to their first-ever MLS Cup title with a dominant 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati.
The Argentine superstar was the architect of the evening, scoring once and providing assists for all three of his team’s other goals. His brilliance dismantled the home side’s defense, setting up a brace for Tadeo Allende and a goal for teenage prospect Mateo Silvetti. The rout at TQL Stadium secures Miami’s spot in next Saturday’s Eastern Conference Championship.
A “Perfect” Performance
Despite playing on the road against the second-seeded team in the East, Miami looked comfortable and ruthless. Head coach Javier Mascherano was full of praise for his squad, highlighting their focus and execution on a challenging pitch.
“I’m proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent,” Mascherano stated after the match. “The players showed incredible character and played a practically perfect match.”
Mascherano reserved special acclaim for his captain, noting that Messi’s influence extended far beyond his time on the ball. “It’s an honour and a privilege not only to manage Leo but this group of players. We know what Leo is capable of; he proves it every weekend.”
How It Happened
A sold-out crowd of over 26,000 had filled the stadium hoping to see Cincinnati pull off an upset. The hosts started brightly, with Kevin Denkey forcing an early save from Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo in the 15th minute. However, Cincinnati’s failure to convert their early pressure proved costly.
Miami struck first when Messi delivered an incisive pass down the left flank to find Mateo Silvetti. The Argentine teenager, starting ahead of veteran Luis Suárez, returned the favor with a pinpoint cross that Messi coolly headed home to open the scoring.
Cincinnati attempted to respond, with Ender Echenique finding space in the 22nd minute, but his shot dragged wide. From that moment on, the night belonged to Miami.
In the 57th minute, Messi turned provider again, finding Silvetti on the edge of the box. The Argentina Under-20 international curled a beautiful finish into the net to double the lead.
As Cincinnati pushed forward in desperation, gaps appeared in their defense. Messi exploited the space ruthlessly, threading a pass to Tadeo Allende for the third goal in the 62nd minute. He then sprang the offside trap once more in the 74th minute to set up Allende for his second and Miami’s fourth.
The Road Ahead
Inter Miami will now host New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final next Saturday. NYCFC booked their place in the decider after upsetting the top-seeded Philadelphia Union 1-0 in the night’s other semifinal clash.
Veteran forward Maxi Moralez scored the lone goal in the 27th minute to keep the 2021 champions’ hopes alive.
In the Western Conference, Vancouver has already secured a spot in the final. They await the winner of Monday’s showdown between top-seeded San Diego and Minnesota United.
The winners of the two conference finals will meet in the MLS Cup championship game on December 6.
READ ALSO: Rio de Janeiro Erupts in Celebration for Black Consciousness Day
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
