Inter Miami CF beat FC Cincinnati 4-0 at TQL Stadium on Sunday night to advance to the Eastern Conference final for the first time in club history.
Captain Lionel Messi took a pass from Mateo Silvetti and scored on a header in the 19th minute for the first goal of the night. Messi then assisted on the second goal by setting up Silvetti, who rocketed the ball into the lower right corner of the net from the left side of the field.
Tadeo Allende added to Inter Miami’s lead with goals in the 62nd and 74th minutes — both from Messi assists — to seal the win for Miami.
Messi’s 12 goal contributions in the post-season is an MLS record.
Javier Mascherano’s Miami side will face Philadelphia or New York City for a place in the MLS Cup final, against the winners of the Western Conference final.
“I’m proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent,” said Mascherano.
“The players showed incredible character and played a practically perfect match.”
He added: “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. Today, he did another incredible job off the ball, because we already know what he’s capable of with it.”
The first half at TQL Stadium was evenly contested, with Miami taking the lead when Messi sprayed a pass to Silvetti – starting ahead of Luis Suarez – and made his way into the box to head home the cross.
Messi returned the favour by releasing 19-year-old Silvetti for Miami’s second, and played delightful through balls for Allende’s goals.
Miami qualified for the play-offs as the third-placed side in the Eastern Conference, finishing one point behind Philadelphia Union and level with Cincinnati.
BBC
