Lionel Messi delivered one other masterclass for Inter Miami on Sunday, guiding the Herons to a dominant 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati within the MLS Japanese Convention semifinals at TQL Stadium. With a spot within the convention last in opposition to New York Metropolis FC now secured, the Argentine celebrity shared an encouraging message for his teammates after the match.
In Inter Miami’s first-ever convention semifinal look, the membership traveled to Ohio to face a Cincinnati facet that had confirmed tough in the course of the 2025 common season, with a 3–0 defeat and a scoreless draw. This time, nevertheless, Messi took full management, scoring on a header and recording a hat trick of assists, to propel Miami into the ultimate with a historic highway victory.
After the sport, Messi went to social media to mirror on the workforce’s efficiency. “LET’S GOOO!!! Nice match from the entire workforce in opposition to an opponent that had all the time been very powerful for us. Yet one more step…” the workforce captain posted on his Instagram.
Since Messi’s arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati have met seven occasions, making the matchup one of many league’s hardest for the Herons. In MLS common season, the head-to-head sits at three wins for Cincinnati, one for Miami, and one draw (with Messi lacking three of these video games). Miami additionally received their 2023 U.S. Open Cup semifinal on penalties and added one other essential victory on Sunday to assist stability the file throughout all competitions.
The evening additionally marked a historic milestone for Messi, who surpassed 1,300 profession aim contributions whereas breaking yet one more MLS file. With one aim and three assists in opposition to Cincinnati, he grew to become the participant with essentially the most aim contributions in a single MLS postseason, reaching 12 and surpassing Ante Razov (2000) and Carlos Ruiz (2002), who every recorded 10.
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What’s Messi’s file vs. New York Metropolis FC?
With Cincinnati eradicated, solely New York Metropolis FC stands between Inter Miami and the franchise’s first Japanese Convention title. The 2 sides will meet on Saturday, November 29, and with Miami ending third within the common season (NYCFC completed fifth), the ultimate shall be held at Chase Stadium, a venue the place Messi has but to lose to the Boys in Blue.
Messi has confronted NYCFC thrice, producing robust numbers in every matchup. His first assembly got here within the 2025 MLS season, ending in a 1–1 draw. The 2 golf equipment met twice extra this yr: a 2–2 draw at Chase Stadium through which Messi offered two assists, and a commanding 4–0 win on the highway, the place he starred with two objectives and an help in opposition to New York Metropolis.
