Inter Miami’s route to MLS Cup: Lionel Messi continues scoring streak

Inter Miami are through to the Eastern Conference semi-finals after a comfortable 4-0 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night.

The Herons cruise into the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs with two goals apiece from Lionel Messi and Tadeo Allende. But they came into the game knowing that defeat would see them eliminated from the postseason, and call time on the illustrious careers of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Earlier on Saturday, FC Cincinnati saw off a spirited performance from Columbus Crew to take a 2-1 series victory in the Hell is Real Derby. Those results mean that Cincinnati will take on Inter Miami in the next round, with the game to be played at TQL Stadium.

Lionel Messi’s incredible Inter Miami form

Last year, Inter Miami were bounced from the playoffs in Round One and Lionel Messi was unusually quiet in the fateful season against Atlanta United. This time around he scored a sensational solo goal, bagged a clinical finish and set up the fourth goal for Allende with an incisive pass.

Messi scored five goals and recorded two assists across the three-game series against Nashville. The Argentine now has 15 goals and provided nine assists in his last 11 Inter Miami games, hitting top form at the right time.

This recent patch of form takes Lionel Messi to 42 goals and 20 assists for Inter Miami this season, an astonishing return from his 46 appearances.

Saturday’s performance was a resounding triumph for Miami head coach Javier Mascherano but he does now have a tough decision to make in the front line. Luis Suárez was absent due to suspension and 19-year-old forward Mateo Silvetti stepped in to lead the line brilliantly. With Cincinnati on the horizon, Mascherano may be tempted to switch to the younger, more energetic option.

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