Inter Miami booked their place in the MLS Eastern Conference Final for the first time in club history on November 23, 2025, delivering a dominant 4-0 performance against FC Cincinnati. The match was illuminated by a vintage display from Lionel Messi, who recorded one goal and three assists, shattering individual playoff records and leading his team to a commanding victory on the road. This victory solidifies the impact of Messi Inter Miami has had on the league.
Messi Inter Miami Reaches Unprecedented Playoff Heights
The Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, was at the heart of every attacking move for Inter Miami, orchestrating a rout that ensures the Herons continue their deepest MLS Cup Playoff run. Messi’s involvement in all four goals set a new league record for goal contributions in a single postseason, bringing his tally to an astounding 12 (six goals and six assists). This performance underscores Messi’s transformative impact since joining the Miami project, turning a struggling franchise into a legitimate title contender. The integration of Messi Inter Miami into the squad has been seamless.
The scoring was opened in the 19th minute. Following a swift counter-attack sparked by a defensive interception, Messi received the ball centrally before sliding a pass to winger Mateo Silvetti. Silvetti returned the favor with a precise cross, allowing Messi to cap the move with a firm header past FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. This goal not only broke his personal streak of scoreless encounters against Cincinnati but also ignited Inter Miami’s offensive surge. The brilliance of Messi Inter Miami was evident from the start.
A Dominant Team Effort for Inter Miami FC
While Messi rightfully garnered significant attention, the victory was a testament to Inter Miami’s cohesive team performance. Young winger Mateo Silvetti doubled the lead in the 57th minute, receiving a layoff from Messi near the penalty arc and curling an excellent finish into the far post. The dynamic duo of Messi and Tadeo Allende then took center stage for Inter Miami FC.
Allende, who has been a significant contributor throughout the playoffs, extended Miami’s advantage in the 62nd minute, finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Messi. He completed his brace in the 74th minute, again set up by a perfectly timed pass from Messi, who demonstrated his vision by springing the offside trap to create the scoring opportunity. The 4-0 scoreline represented Inter Miami’s second consecutive playoff victory with a clean sheet, following their decisive win over Nashville SC in the previous round. The synergy of Messi Inter Miami and his teammates is undeniable.
FC Cincinnati’s Disappointing End to a Stellar Season
For FC Cincinnati, the loss marked a bitter conclusion to an otherwise exceptional season. Having clinched the Supporters’ Shield in 2023 and boasting the second-best overall record in MLS behind Philadelphia, the Orange and Blue entered the match with high expectations at their home ground. However, they struggled to contain Inter Miami’s relentless attack and were unable to find the back of the net. This playoff elimination at home for the third consecutive season adds to their postseason frustrations, falling short of reaching the Eastern Conference Final. The impact of Messi Inter Miami was too much to overcome.
FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan acknowledged Miami’s superiority, stating, “Credit to Miami. They were better tonight. To the fans, sorry how it ended. It’s disappointing. You have to own it”. Despite the disappointing playoff exit, FC Cincinnati’s regular season achievements, including their Supporters’ Shield title and numerous home-winning streaks, firmly established them as one of the league’s elite teams in 2023. The presence of Messi Inter Miami proved to be the deciding factor.
Looking Ahead: The Eastern Conference Final for Messi Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s triumph sets up a highly anticipated Eastern Conference Final clash against New York City FC. NYCFC secured their spot by upsetting the top-seeded Philadelphia Union 1-0 in their semifinal match. The news is trending across sports media as fans eagerly await this next chapter in Miami’s historic playoff journey. The winner of the Eastern Conference Final will advance to the MLS Cup presented by Audi on December 6, with Inter Miami having the potential to host the championship match at Chase Stadium if they emerge victorious. The journey of Messi Inter Miami continues.
Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s performance, describing it as “virtually perfect” and highlighting the players’ character and resilience. As Inter Miami continues to make headlines and capture the attention of the soccer world, their quest for an MLS Cup is gaining significant momentum, fueled by the brilliance of their star acquisition. This latest victory in Cincinnati is not just a win; it’s a statement of intent and a significant milestone in the club’s rapidly evolving narrative, marking a pivotal moment for the miami club and the legacy of Messi Inter Miami.
