Messi, aged 38, scored a goal and provided three assists in Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati, in a game played at TQL team for the unprecedented conference final, where they will face New York City FC next Saturday, the 29th. The Argentine’s performance reinforced his leadership in the team coached by Javier Mascherano, which is seeking the first MLS Cup title in its history.
Inter Miami controlled the game even without top scorer Luis Suárez, suspended for the match. The American team, founded in 2018, reaches this stage of the playoffs for the first time, after eliminating Nashville SC in the previous round.
- Messi now has 12 direct goal contributions in the MLS 2025 playoffs, an absolute record in the league.
- In the regular season, he finished with 29 goals and 13 assists, earning Chuteira from Ouro.
- The team has the best campaign in the Conferência Leste, with the right to control the field in decisions.
Messi’s dominant performance on the field
Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, after receiving a pass from Jordi Alba and finishing with precision. Sua vision of the game allowed decisive assists for his teammates, consolidating the result. The Argentine, who arrived in MLS in 2023, raised the level of Inter Miami from the beginning.
In the 57th minute, he served for the second goal, scored by 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti. Essa play highlighted the integration between veterans and young talents in the squad.
Key moments of the match
The first half ended with a minimal advantage for Inter Miami, after an interception by Alba that led to Messi’s goal. The visiting team maintained 52% possession of the ball, putting pressure on the opponent.
In the second half, the pace accelerated with Silvetti’s goal, which returned the favor to the Argentine. Tadeo Allende expanded in the 62nd minute, with another assist from Messi, completing a quick table.
Allende scored again in the 74th minute, sealing the victory. FC Cincinnati, third in the conference, failed to react, suffering elimination at home for the third consecutive time in the playoffs.
Inter Miami celebrated the classification with a focus on the next match. Mascherano praised the group’s maturity in a post-game press conference.
Records achieved by the Argentine
Messi equaled Ferenc Puskás’s record with 404 assists in his professional career, according to data from Opta. Ele has scored 896 goals in 1,135 games played over 20 years.
In MLS, his adaptation was quick: in 28 matches in the 2025 regular season, he led in direct appearances. Nos playoffs, his six goals and six assists in four games surpass previous marks.
- Total career assists: 404, tied with Puskás.
- Goals in MLS 2025: 29, top scorer in the league.
- Playoff contributions: 12, new MLS record.
These numbers position Messi as a reference in the North American league. Sua contract extension for three years guarantees permanence until 2028.
Teammate contributions
Silvetti, signed in August from Newell’s Old Boys, emerged as a key player. With a goal and an assist in the game, the 19-year-old synchronized movements with Messi and Allende.
Allende, a 22-year-old Uruguayan, scored the final two goals, taking advantage of precise passes. Sua speed exploited the spaces left by the Cincinnati defense.
Busquets and Alba, formerly of Barcelona, anchored the midfield and wing respectively. Suárez, even on the bench, influenced the preparatory training.
The mixed cast of veterans and promises reflects the Mascherano strategy. Essa combination generated 25 goals in the postseason, with 22 of them directly linked to Messi.
Preparation for the conference final
Inter Miami returns to Miami for the duel against New York City FC, at Chase Stadium. The single match takes place at 6pm local time, broadcast on Apple TV.
The opponent eliminated Philadelphia Union 1-0 in the other semi-final, with a goal from Maxi Moralez. NYCFC, fourth in the regular table, surprised in the playoffs with victories away from home.
Mascherano plans to maintain the tactical formation that worked against Cincinnati. Treinos focus on fast transitions and high marking.
Victory guarantees the winner the right to compete in MLS Cup on December 6th. Inter Miami, with the best overall campaign, has command priority in the final.