Inter Miami advanced to the MLS Eastern Conference final for the first time in club history after a dominant 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Sunday. Lionel Messi scored once and provided three assists, with Tadeo Allende netting a second-half brace and teenager Mateo Silvetti also on the scoresheet.
Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, meeting an outswinging cross from Silvetti with a firm header past goalkeeper Roman Celentano. The chance was created after Jodi Alba intercepted a Cincinnati pass to start a swift counter-attack. Silvetti doubled the lead in the 57th minute with a curling finish after a neat exchange with Messi and Allende.
Allende added two further goals in the 62nd and 74th minutes, both on transition opportunities orchestrated by Messi. The victory marked Miami's second consecutive 4-0 playoff win, following a decisive game victory over Nashville SC two weeks earlier. Manager Javier Mascherano opted to leave Luis Suárez on the bench despite the striker's return from suspension.
Messi has now recorded six goals and six assists in the postseason, contributing to every one of Miami's tallies. The result sets up an Eastern Conference final against New York City FC, who beat the top-seeded Philadelphia Union 1-0 later on Sunday. Maxi Moralez scored the only goal in the 27th minute, finishing a counter-attack after a precise through ball from Nicolás Fernández.
Philadelphia, winners of the 2025 Supporters' Shield, suffered only their second home defeat of the season. Goalkeeper Andre Blake was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 60th minute. New York City FC will travel to Miami for the conference final.
