Messi Leads Miami Charge Into Fiery MLS Clash With Cincinnati

Lionel Messi starred in Fort Lauderdale. He scored two goals and assisted two more. He proved he is still one of the best. Inter Miami crushed Nashville 4-0 on Saturday to move into the next round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Few saw this coming after Miami’s inconsistent regular season. Yet, when the lights were brightest, Messi did what Messi always does. He took control.

The opener came early, just ten minutes in. A deflected ball rolled his way near the box. One touch, then a low left-footed strike that kissed the corner. The stadium erupted. Pink shirts blurred in celebration. You could feel the lift across the stands: relief, joy, disbelief, all at once.

Messi wasn’t done. In the 39th minute, a clever one-two with teenager Mateo Silvetti opened space at the edge of the area. Another left-footed blast. Same result. 2-0. Nashville looked dazed. To be fair, who wouldn’t be? The man’s precision still feels unfair.

Miami, playing without Luis Suarez due to suspension, didn’t lose any spark. If anything, it freed up the rhythm. Every touch felt smoother. Every pass found a purpose. When Tadeo Allende scored twice within three minutes in the second half, both assisted by Messi, it sealed the night. That partnership changed the match, no doubt about it.

The crowd sensed it too. Chants of “Messi! Messi!” rolled like waves. It felt more like a celebration than a playoff decider.

The win gave Miami a 2-1 victory in the best-of-three series. They will face FC Cincinnati, who earlier beat Columbus 2-1, in the second round. The playoff picture has now changed significantly. The dream of a Miami title is alive again. 

The match was full of drama in another part of the country. Minnesota United beat Seattle after a 3-3 draw that went to penalties, ending 7-6. It took 10 rounds before goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair scored his kick. Then Seattle’s Andrew Thomas hit the crossbar. The crowd cheered as Minnesota celebrated a thrilling win.

Back in Miami, Messi and his teammates shared quiet smiles as they left the pitch. It wasn’t arrogance. It was a belief. A sense that something is building here.

Next up is Cincinnati. Tougher, sharper, more physical. But after a night like this, few will bet against Miami. Especially not when Messi looks like this: calm, ruthless, untouchable.

Because when Lionel Messi decides it’s his night, everyone else just watches.