Messi guides Miami to MLS Conference Finals with dominant win vs Cincinnati

The 2025 MLS Playoffs continue tonight with all four Eastern Conference semi-finalists in action.

Here is what has gone down in tonight’s matches thus far.

Inter Miami defeat Cincinnati 4-0 to reach MLS Conference Finals

Scorers: Messi 19′, Silvetti 57′, Allende 62′, 74′

Advertisement

It took Lionel Messi less than 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet as he made a late run into the box for an unmarked header at the back-post. The Argentinian now has six playoff goals this season, having played just four matches.

While both sides created numerous first-half chances, Messi’s goal proved the difference going into the break.

In the second-half, Silvetti doubled Miami’s lead with a well-placed finish off an assist from Messi.

Five minutes later, Tadeo Allende made it three as Messi grabbed yet another assist with a deft through ball.

Then, Allende completed his brace thanks to a lovely, outside-of-the-foot assist from Messi.

With his goal and hat-trick of assists, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner set a new league record for the most goal contributions in a single MLS postseason (12).

Advertisement

Ultimately, it was the Lionel Messi show once again as Inter Miami cruise to their first-ever Eastern Conference Finals. There, they will face the winner of Philadelphia Union vs NYCFC.

Still to come

📸 Jeff Dean – 2025 Getty Images