Messi Inspires Inter Miami’s Emphatic Victory over Cincinnati to Secure Eastern Conference Final Spot

Key Takeaways:

• Inter Miami defeated Cincinnati 4-0 away in the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs
• Lionel Messi contributed one goal and three assists during the match
• The Herons will next face New York City in the final after their 1-0 win against Philadelphia Union

Dominant Performance Books Final Berth

Inter Miami produced a commanding 4-0 win away at Cincinnati to secure their place in the MLS Eastern Conference final. Lionel Messi led the way for The Herons with an outstanding display, scoring once and providing three assists. Tadeo Allende recorded a brace, while Mateo Silvetti also found the net as the visitors breezed past their opponents.

Miami leave NO doubt. 💪

A goal & three assists from Leo Messi carry @InterMiamiCF into the Eastern Conference final! // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/ymftKskPOA

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 24, 2025

Match Analysis: Messi Orchestrates Miami Masterclass

The opening goal arrived in the 19th minute, when Mateo Silvetti advanced down the left and delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area. There, an unmarked Messi rose to meet the ball and guided his header into the far corner, giving the visitors an early advantage.

After the interval, Inter Miami doubled their lead in the 57th minute. Messi slipped a pass to Silvetti inside the penalty box on the left, and the Argentine unleashed a powerful shot to make it 0-2.

Only five minutes later, Tadeo Allende widened the margin after being put through one-on-one with the goalkeeper by another incisive Messi pass. Allende advanced and tucked his finish into the left corner to make it 0-3, all but killing the contest.

Messi’s creativity shone again in the 74th minute as he picked out Allende on the right. The Argentine forward outran the defence and netted his second goal of the night, sealing an impressive 0-4 victory for Inter Miami.

Final Showdown and Semi-Final Results

The win sets up an Eastern Conference final clash between Inter Miami and New York City. New York City reached the final after a narrow 1-0 away win over Philadelphia Union, in which Maximiliano Moralez scored the crucial goal in the 27th minute.