sports

Messi Stars as Inter Miami Crush FC Cincinnati 4-0

Published

5 months ago

November 24, 2025

Messi scores and assists as Inter Miami thrash FC Cincinnati 4-0, advancing to the Eastern Conference final in MLS

Cincinnati, United States – 24 November 2025 – Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass as Inter Miami stayed on course for their first MLS Cup final appearance with a 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Sunday.

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Messi, who scored once and provided the assists for all three other goals, orchestrated the win with incisive passing and intelligent movement.

Tadeo Allende scored twice, while Mateo Silvetti added the other goal to secure Miami’s spot in next Saturday’s Eastern Conference championship against New York City FC.

Argentine forward Maxi Moralez had earlier scored the only goal as New York City FC upset top-seed Philadelphia 1-0 to reach the conference final.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi and his teammates for a near-perfect performance. “I’m proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent,” Mascherano said.

“The players showed incredible character and played a practically perfect match. It’s an honour and a privilege not only to manage Leo but this group of players. Today, he did another incredible job off the ball, because we already know what he’s capable of with it.”

The match started competitively as Cincinnati’s Kevin Denkey tested Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo after 15 minutes.

Moments later, Messi orchestrated Miami’s first goal, picking out Silvetti down the left flank.

Silvetti returned the ball with a precise cross, allowing Messi to calmly head home and make it 1-0.

Cincinnati squandered another chance in the 22nd minute, but Miami’s attacking dominance soon told.

Messi found Silvetti in the 57th minute for a curling strike to extend the lead to 2-0.

Tadeo Allende then converted Messi’s clever passes in the 62nd and 74th minutes to complete the rout.

With the win, Inter Miami will face New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final on Saturday, while the Western Conference final will see Vancouver take on the winner of Monday’s top-seed clash between San Diego and Minnesota United.