Lionel Messi’s first-half brace propelled Inter Miami to a decisive 4-0 victory over Nashville SC, clinching the club’s inaugural playoff series win and advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Inter Miami dominated Nashville SC in Game 3 of their MLS Cup Playoffs first-round series. The 4-0 win, fueled by two goals from Messi and two from Tadeo Allende, sealed the best-of-three series 2-1. This historic victory marks the first time Inter Miami has advanced past the opening round since the franchise’s inception in 2020.
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clever run and finish, striking the ball into the lower-right corner after evading multiple defenders. He doubled the lead late in the first half, capitalizing on a precise backheel pass from teammate Mateo Silvetti. The Argentine superstar, who recently won the MLS Golden Boot, now has 12 goals in just seven matches against Nashville, his highest tally against any MLS opponent.
In the second half, Tadeo Allende took center stage, scoring two goals in a rapid four-minute span. His first came in the 73rd minute off an assist from Jordi Alba, and the second in the 76th minute was set up by Messi, who chipped the ball over the goalkeeper. Allende’s brace ensured Miami’s dominance, with the team maintaining control throughout the match.
Despite the absence of star forward Luis Suárez, who was suspended for violent conduct in Game 2, Inter Miami’s offense remained potent. Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo secured the team’s first clean sheet of the postseason, thwarting Nashville’s 11 shots, including a disallowed goal from Sam Surridge due to a foul.
This win exorcises the demons of last year’s playoff disappointment, where Miami, despite winning the Supporters’ Shield, was eliminated in the first round by Atlanta United. Coach Javier Mascherano praised the team’s intensity and organization, noting their understanding of the stakes and the importance of making history for the club.
With the series win, Inter Miami advances to face FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinals, a single-game matchup at TQL Stadium in Ohio. The victory also ensures at least one more game for retiring veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, adding emotional weight to the achievement.
Looking ahead, Miami aims to continue its playoff run, with the winner of the Cincinnati match facing either Philadelphia Union or New York City FC in the conference final. The team’s performance signals a turning point, building momentum as they chase their first MLS Cup.
