Daijiworld Media Network - Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Nov 9: Lionel Messi and Tadeo Allende both scored twice as Inter Miami cruised to a commanding 4-0 win over Nashville SC in Game 3 of their Round One MLS Cup Playoffs series, sealing the club’s first-ever berth in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalising on a misplaced pass deep in Nashville’s half. The Argentine captain dribbled past defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner — his 34th goal of the 2025 MLS season.

He doubled the advantage in the 39th minute, finishing off a flowing team move. Jordi Alba launched a long ball to Silvetti down the left flank, whose neat cutback found Messi unmarked to tap home. The goal marked Messi’s 35th of the campaign, while Silvetti earned his first assist for the club.

Inter Miami maintained their attacking momentum after the break. In the 73rd minute, Alba and Messi combined brilliantly on the left before Alba delivered a low cross that Allende fired in from close range, notching his 13th goal of the season and Alba’s 16th assist.

Just three minutes later, Allende completed his brace and sealed the win in style. Messi threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into space, and Allende chipped delicately over the onrushing keeper to make it 4-0. The strike was Allende’s 14th goal of the season, while the assist was Messi’s 20th — and the 400th assist of his illustrious career.

With the result, Inter Miami not only claimed the series 2-1 but also advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in the club’s history.

Messi’s recent form has been sensational — 15 goals and 11 assists in his last 11 MLS appearances — propelling Miami’s dream playoff run as they continue to chase their maiden MLS Cup title.