Lionel Messi produced another decisive performance as Inter Miami overpowered FC Cincinnati 4-0 at TQL Stadium on Sunday, securing the club’s first appearance in the Eastern Conference final. The match extended a postseason run that has pushed Messi to a league record 12 goal contributions in a single MLS playoff campaign, a benchmark that underscores the scale of his influence since arriving in the United States.
Miami took control early. Messi broke the match open in the 19th minute, meeting a left-side cross with a driven header that beat Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano at the near post. The goal set the tone for an evening in which Cincinnati’s back line struggled to contain Miami’s movement in transition and in the half-spaces.
The visitors doubled the lead when Messi released Michael Silvetti with a threaded pass that split Cincinnati’s midfield block. Silvetti placed his finish low into the right corner, leaving Miami firmly in command before halftime. After the break, Tadeo Allende struck twice from close range, both chances created by Messi’s service, one from a clipped ball over the top and the other from a diagonal pass that exposed Cincinnati’s weakened shape as they pushed numbers forward.
Luis Suárez, returning from suspension after missing the Nashville match, entered late for Allende, giving Miami a full attacking unit ahead of next weekend’s conference final. Inter Miami will host New York City FC on Sunday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, seeking its first MLS Cup appearance.
Messi’s resurgence has come amid a longer commitment to the club. He signed a new deal in October that ties him to Miami through the 2028 season, extending a partnership that began in mid-2023 following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. Since joining the Herons, he has been central to the club’s turnaround, highlighted by the 2023 Leagues Cup title and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, their first major domestic trophy.
In 85 matches across all competitions, Messi has registered 76 goals and 38 assists, a production that has placed him among the frontrunners for a second MLS MVP award, following his 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 league appearances this year.
Miami’s performance in Cincinnati carried the efficiency and tempo that have largely defined their season, and with Messi in sustained form entering the final stretch, the club will carry both momentum and expectation into the conference final.