November 09, (THEWILL) — Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 4-0 early on Sunday morning, winning their best-of-three MLS Cup playoff series and advancing past the first round for the first time since joining the league in 2020.
The Herons had taken the opener 3-1 before losing 2-1 in the second match, setting up the decisive contest at home.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute, dribbling past multiple defenders before firing a precise shot from the top of the penalty area.
The Argentine forward added a second goal in the 39th minute after Mateo Silvetti gathered a ball that Nashville centre-back Walker Zimmerman failed to clear, setting up Messi for his brace.
Nashville’s best chance in the first half came when Hany Mukhtar, a former MLS MVP, sent a free kick wide in the 15th minute.
The second half saw Nashville introduce winger Jacob Shaffelburg in an attempt to mount a comeback, but Miami’s defence held firm despite some pressure on centre-backs Noah Allen and Maxi Falcón.
Tadeo Allende extended the lead in the 73rd minute, tapping in after quick interplay between Messi and Jordi Alba. Minutes later, Allende completed the scoring with a chipped finish over goalkeeper Joe Willis following a through ball from Messi.
The victory allowed Miami to avoid repeating last season’s first-round elimination at the hands of ninth-seeded Atlanta United.
The result also postponed the retirement plans of veterans Alba and Busquets, who remain part of the star-studded squad.
Miami will now face FC Cincinnati away in a single-elimination Eastern Conference semi-final on either 22 or 23 November, following a break for the international window. Victory in that match would leave the Herons two wins from claiming the MLS Cup.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
