Messi Magic Lifts Inter Miami Past Nashville With 4-0 Rout, Reaches 400 Career Assists

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Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains football's ultimate showman, delivering a masterclass as Inter Miami cruised past Nashville SC 4-0 on Saturday to advance to the second round of the MLS Cup playoffs. The 38-year-old Argentine talisman scored twice and assisted twice, spearheading Miami's dominant display at DRV PNK Stadium.

Messi opened the floodgates early, striking in the 10th minute after collecting a deflected ball and drilling a low left-footed shot into the far corner. He doubled the lead just before halftime, curling another precise effort from outside the box following a slick pass from 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti.

In the second half, Messi turned provider, setting up both goals for teammate Tadeo Allende. The first came in the 73rd minute when Messi and Jordi Alba combined to feed Allende for a close-range finish. Three minutes later, the duo linked again, with Messi lofting a perfect long ball that Allende chipped gracefully over the Nashville goalkeeper to seal the 4-0 triumph.

With those assists, Messi reached an incredible milestone - 400 career assists, the most by any player in world football. His latest performance also ensured Miami avoided another early playoff exit after falling in the first round in both 2022 and 2023.
The victory gave Inter Miami a 2-1 win in their best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series, setting up a second-round clash against FC Cincinnati, who edged past Columbus 2-1.

Miami's win was even more impressive considering the absence of Luis Suarez, who served a one-game suspension for violent conduct in the previous leg. But Messi's brilliance more than filled the void, reminding fans and critics alike that age is merely a number for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, 10-man Minnesota United pulled off a thrilling 7-6 penalty shootout victory over Seattle after a 3-3 draw, booking a date with the winner of Sunday's Portland vs San Diego clash.

But all eyes were on Messi, whose latest virtuoso display lit up Miami and reaffirmed his status as the heartbeat of their MLS dream.