Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass as Inter Miami surged one step closer to their first-ever MLS Cup final, dismantling FC Cincinnati 4-0 on Sunday in a commanding semifinal display.
The Argentine legend scored once and assisted all three of Miami’s other goals, orchestrating an attacking performance highlighted by a Tadeo Allende brace and a composed finish from Mateo Silvetti. The victory sends Miami into next Saturday’s Eastern Conference final.
Inter Miami will host New York City FC for a place in the MLS Cup showpiece after NYCFC stunned top-seeded Philadelphia with a narrow 1-0 away win. Maxi Moralez netted the decisive goal in the 27th minute, sending the 2021 MLS Cup champions through.
Miami, seeded third, enter the upcoming clash in top form after executing a display defined by tempo, fluidity, and ruthless efficiency against second-seeded Cincinnati.
Head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi and the squad, describing the performance as close to flawless.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team,” Mascherano said. “They delivered on a very difficult pitch against a very tough opponent. The character they showed was outstanding—this was a virtually perfect match.”
Mascherano reserved particular admiration for Messi: “It’s an honour to manage Leo and this group. We all know what he can do on the ball, but today he excelled off it as well. He proves his quality every weekend.”
A capacity crowd of just over 26,000 filled TQL Stadium anticipating a Cincinnati upset, and the hosts began brightly. Kevin Denkey tested Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo after 15 minutes, but Cincinnati’s inability to capitalise proved costly.
Seconds later, Messi unlocked the defence with a precise pass to 19-year-old Silvetti—starting in place of Luis Suárez—who returned the favour by finding Messi with a superb cross for the opener.
Cincinnati missed another clear chance in the 22nd minute when Ender Echenique broke free but fired wide. From there, Miami assumed control.
Messi nearly doubled the lead five minutes later, driving into space before sending a shot just past the far post.
Miami’s sharp approach play was rewarded again in the 57th minute. Messi slipped a pass to Silvetti at the edge of the area, and the Argentine under-20 curled a clinical finish into the bottom corner for 2-0.
As Cincinnati pushed forward in desperation, gaps appeared—and Messi exploited each one. In the 62nd minute he released Allende for the third, then once again unlocked the defence in the 74th minute, threading a perfectly timed ball to set up Allende’s second and Miami’s fourth.
The Eastern and Western Conference champions will meet in the MLS Cup final on December 6.
In the Western Conference, Vancouver await the winner of Monday’s semifinal between top-seeded San Diego and Minnesota United.
