By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Lionel Messi scores one goal and sets up three more to power Inter Miami to the Eastern Conference finals with a 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati.
Miami will play in its first conference final next weekend as it continues to chase a first MLS Cup. It’ll host NYCFC, which took down the Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union 1-0 in Sunday’s second match, thanks to a first-half goal from Maxi Moralez and some sensational goalkeeping from U.S. No. 1 Matt Freese.
Should Miami advance to MLS Cup, the game would be played in South Florida, as Miami had a better regular season than all remaining Western Conference teams.
With Miami’s win, the legendary careers of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also continue for at least one more game. Both players announced they will retire at the end of this season.
The Argentina forward opened the scoring with a first-half header – his sixth goal in four MLS post-season games.
Messi went on to provide three assists, setting up Mateo Silvetti and, twice, Tadeo Allende in Cincinnati.
Messi’s 12 goal contributions in the post-season is an MLS record.
“I’m proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent,” said Javier Mascherano.
“The players showed incredible character and played a practically perfect match.”
He added: “It’s an honour and a privilege not only to manage Leo but this group of players.
“We know what Leo is capable of – he proves it every weekend. Today, he did another incredible job off the ball, because we already know what he’s capable of with it.”