Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati on Sunday, keeping their dream of a first-ever MLS Cup final alive.
The Argentine superstar was at the heart of all the action, scoring one goal and providing assists for the other three. Tadeo Allende netted a brace while Mateo Silvetti added the fourth, sealing Miami’s passage to next Saturday’s Eastern Conference championship.
Inter Miami will now host New York City FC for a place in the MLS Cup final, following City’s 1-0 upset over top-seeded Philadelphia. Maxi Moralez scored the lone goal in the 27th minute to secure victory for the 2021 MLS Cup champions.
Third-seeded Miami approached the fixture brimming with confidence, displaying pace, precision, and fluid attacking play to overwhelm second-seeded Cincinnati.
Coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi and his squad, describing their performance as near-perfect. “I’m proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent,” he said.
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