October 25, (THEWILL) — Lionel Messi delivered a decisive performance in Inter Miami’s opening playoff fixture, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC in the wee hours of Saturday. The result gives Miami the advantage in their best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series.
The 38-year-old opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a diving header, converting a cross from Luis Suárez. His intelligent movement in the penalty area created the opening for Miami’s first goal at Chase Stadium. Messi’s influence continued into the second half when he contributed to Tadeo Allende’s maiden postseason goal, extending the home side’s lead to 2-0.
Miami sealed the match in stoppage time when Messi converted a rebound after Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis failed to hold a cross. The goal came moments before Hany Mukhtar reduced the deficit with a direct free kick, though the late strike proved merely a consolation for the visitors.
The victory places Miami one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference semi-finals for the first time since the club’s inception. They will have opportunities to close out the series at GEODIS Park in Game 2 or return home for a deciding third match if required.
FC Cincinnati or Columbus Crew await the winners in the next round. Messi’s recent form, which earned him the MLS Golden Boot and an MVP nomination, has arrived at the crucial stage of the campaign for the Herons.
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.
