Inter Miami have secured their place in the Eastern Conference final after a dominant 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati in the MLS Cup playoffs. The victory marks the club's deepest run in post-season history.
Lionel Messi was instrumental, scoring one goal and providing three assists. The Argentine opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a firm header from a cross by 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti, who had two assists and a goal of his own.
Tadeo Allende netted a second-half brace, scoring in the 62nd and 74th minutes, both from transition opportunities set up by Messi. Silvetti had doubled Miami's lead in the 57th minute, finishing a move initiated by Allende.
Inter Miami will face New York City FC in the East final after the fifth seeds beat top-seeded Philadelphia Union 1-0 on Sunday night. For FC Cincinnati, the defeat means a third consecutive post-season elimination on home turf.
Messi's stellar form continues; he now has six goals and six assists in the playoffs, contributing to every Miami tally. His regular season saw 29 goals and 19 assists, making him a strong contender for a second consecutive MLS MVP award.
