Lionel Messi and Tadeo Allende each scored twice as Inter Miami thrashed Nashville SC 4-0 to advance to the second round of the MLS Cup playoffs, setting up a clash with FC Cincinnati. Miami triumphed despite Luis Suárez’s suspension, with Messi also assisting both of Allende’s goals. In the Western Conference, Minnesota United overcame Seattle Sounders 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, advancing to face the winner of Portland vs San Diego.
Messi and Allende Shine as Inter Miami Crush Nashville 4-0 to Advance in MLS Cup Playoffs
Lionel Messi and Tadeo Allende each scored twice as Inter Miami delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday, securing their place in the second round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Argentine superstar, 38, opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the match with a trademark left-footed strike, then doubled Miami’s advantage in the 39th minute. Messi later turned provider, assisting both of Allende’s goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes that sealed the emphatic win for the hosts.
With the result, Inter Miami clinched their best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series 2-1, setting up a highly anticipated second-round clash against FC Cincinnati — who advanced after defeating Columbus Crew 2-1 in another decisive series finale.
Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, ensured Miami avoided a third early playoff exit in four seasons. The club had been eliminated in the first round by Atlanta United last year and New York City FC in 2022.
Inter Miami’s triumph came despite the absence of star Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, who was serving a one-match suspension for violent conduct during last week’s loss to Nashville.
The night began brightly for Miami as Messi capitalized on a deflected ball, racing to the edge of the penalty area before slotting a precise low shot into the bottom right corner. He struck again just before halftime, curling another left-footed shot from outside the box after a clever setup by 19-year-old Argentine rookie Mateo Silvetti.
In the second half, Allende took center stage. The 24-year-old Argentine midfielder tapped in his first goal from close range following a slick passing move involving Messi and Jordi Alba. Just minutes later, Allende latched onto a long ball from Messi and lofted a composed chip over the goalkeeper to complete his brace and Miami’s rout.
Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, Canadian forward Jacen Russell-Rowe put Columbus ahead in the 61st minute, but Brazilian striker Brenner Souza turned the tide with goals in the 67th and 86th minutes to propel FC Cincinnati to victory and set up a showdown with Messi’s Miami in the conference semifinals.
Minnesota United Edge Seattle in Dramatic Penalty Shootout
In the night’s other thriller, 10-man Minnesota United advanced to the next round after defeating Seattle Sounders 7-6 on penalties, following a pulsating 3-3 draw in their Western Conference series decider.
The match went to a marathon 10-round shootout that ended when Seattle goalkeeper Andrew Thomas — who had been subbed in specifically for penalties — struck the crossbar with his shot.
Seattle had equalized late in regulation when Jordan Morris made it 3-3 in the 88th minute. During the shootout, Thomas suffered a hand injury diving for the ball but continued playing. Despite making two saves in sudden death, Seattle missed both of their chances to win — with Obed Vargas hitting the post and Osaze De Rosario denied by Minnesota’s goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
St. Clair, recently named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, not only made crucial saves but also converted his own penalty in the 10th round to clinch the victory for the Loons.
Earlier in the match, Seattle raced to a 2-0 lead within the opening eight minutes through goals from Albert Rusnak and Danny Musovski. Joaquin Pereyra pulled one back for Minnesota in the 19th minute, but the hosts suffered a major setback when Joseph Rosales received a red card for violent conduct in the 41st minute.
Despite being down to 10 men, Minnesota showed resilience. Jefferson Diaz leveled the score with a header in the 62nd minute, and Anthony Markanich gave them a shock 3-2 lead in the 71st before Seattle’s late equalizer forced extra time and the eventual penalty shootout.
With the win, Minnesota now advances to face the winner of Sunday’s clash between Portland Timbers and top-seeded San Diego FC in the next round of the Western Conference playoffs.