Lionel Messi propelled inter Miami into the MLS playoff semi-finals with a dominant performance, securing a 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in the quarter-final on Saturday. The Argentine superstar scored one goal and provided three assists, further cementing his impact as joining the club.
This marks Inter Miami’s first appearance in a playoff semi-final as the franchise’s inaugural season in 2020. Messi’s six goals and six assists already make him the league’s all-time leading scorer in playoff history. he opened the scoring with a header in the 19th minute against Cincinnati, the second-place team from the Eastern Conference’s regular season.
After halftime, Messi orchestrated further goals, setting up his argentinian teammates Tadeo Allende in the 62nd and 74th minutes, and Mateo Silvetti in the 57th. Inter Miami will now face New York City FC, who advanced with a 1-0 win against the Philadelphia Union.
In the western Conference, former German national player thomas Müller and the Vancouver Whitecaps advanced to their conference final after defeating Los Angeles FC in a penalty shootout. Vancouver will await the winner of Monday’s match between San Diego and Minnesota to determine their semi-final opponent.
