Lionel Messi scored and provided three assists on Saturday in Cincinnati, where Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati to reach the MLS Eastern Conference final for the first time.
The Argentina forward opened the scoring with a first half header, his sixth goal in four MLS post season matches. Javier Mascherano’s side then accelerated, with Messi setting up Mateo Silvetti and twice releasing Tadeo Allende as Miami took control at TQL Stadium.
The first half had been finely balanced, with Miami edging ahead after Messi switched play to Silvetti, who started in place of Luis Suarez, before drifting into the box to meet the return cross. Messi later repaid the youngster, sending him clear for Miami’s second. Two incisive throughballs to Allende completed the visitors’ scoring and extended Messi’s tally to a record 12 goal contributions in a single MLS post season.
Miami advanced to the play offs as the third placed team in the Eastern Conference, finishing one point behind Philadelphia Union and level with Cincinnati. Mascherano’s side will face either Philadelphia or New York City for a place in the MLS Cup final, where they would meet the winners of the Western Conference decider.
