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Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance as Inter Miami secured a 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Sunday, keeping their hopes alive for their first MLS Cup final appearance.
The Argentine superstar scored once and assisted in all other goals for Inter, with Tadeo Allende scoring twice and Mateo Silvetti adding the third goal. This win propels Miami into next Saturday’s Eastern Conference championship, where they will face either top seeds Philadelphia or New York City FC.
Based on Sunday’s display, third-seeded Miami will approach next weekend’s fixture with high confidence after a display of pace and precision that overpowered second-seeded Cincinnati.
Javier Mascherano Happy
Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi and his teammates after what he described
as an almost perfect performance. “I’m proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent,” Mascherano said.
“The players showed incredible character and played a practically perfect match.
“It’s an honor 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.”
A packed crowd of just over 26,000 filled Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, hoping to witness a home-side upset against Mascherano’s star-studded Inter team. However, the home side was punished for not capitalising on their early chances, with striker Kevin Denkey forcing a good save from Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo after 15 minutes.
Moments later, Miami took the lead when Messi found Argentine teenager Silvetti—who started instead of veteran Luis Suarez—with a precise pass down the left flank. Silvetti returned the favour with a pinpoint cross that Messi coolly nodded home to make it 1-0.
Cincinnati missed a chance to equalise in the 22nd minute when Venezuelan forward Ender Echenique dragged his shot wide after breaking into space. From then on, it was all Miami, and Messi came close to doubling the lead in the 27th minute but missed the target.
Inter’s persistent attack paid off in the 57th minute when Messi found Silvetti on the edge of the area, and the Argentina under-20 international curled home to make it 2-0. As Cincinnati desperately chased the game, more space opened up, and with Messi orchestrating, it was only a matter of time before Miami extended their lead.
Messi threaded a pass to Allende to make it 3-0 in the 62nd minute and then sprung the offside trap again in the 74th minute to set up Allende for the fourth goal.
Miami will learn their Eastern Conference final opponents later on Sunday when Philadelphia faces New York. The winners of the Eastern and Western Conference finals will meet in the MLS Cup championship game on December 6.
(With inputs from Agencies)
