Lionel Messi delivered a dominant performance as Inter Miami CF clinched a 4-0 victory over Nashville SC in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. The win gives Miami the series 2-1 and marks the first time in club history they have advanced beyond Round 1.
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute when a defensive miscue from Nashville led to a run and finish from around 18 yards. He doubled the lead just before halftime, converting a smart pass from teammate Mateo Silvetti in the 39th.
In the second half, star rookie Tadeo Allende capitalised on two Messi assists to fire in goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes, sealing the rout. Lionel Messi was directly involved in all eight of Miami’s goals in the series — five scored, three assisted.
Despite missing key striker Luis Suárez (suspended), Miami displayed cohesion and intensity, with coach Javier Mascherano praising the squad’s high-level performance across defence, midfield and attack.
Nashville’s hopes were dashed as their playoff run ended yet again at the first hurdle, marking a third straight early exit.
Miami now prepare to face second-seeded FC Cincinnati in a single‐elimination Eastern Conference semifinal. Messi, who interestingly has never scored against Cincinnati despite his dominance elsewhere in the league, will be looking to break that particular mark.
This game not only underlines Messi’s enduring quality at the age of 38, but also signals Miami’s potential as genuine contenders in this year’s playoffs.
