Inter Miami advanced past the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since joining MLS in 2020, beating Nashville SC 4–0 on Saturday night to win the best-of-three series.
The Herons opened the series with a 3–1 win over Nashville, before dropping the second 2–1 on the road, as Nashville forced the decisive showdown.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with slick dribbling leading to a shot from the top of the box. He doubled the Herons’ lead in the 39th minute after linking up with Mateo Silvetti, who had snuck past Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman.
The Herons extended their lead late, with Messi and Alba picking up assists, as they created a tap-in chance for Tadeo Allende’s 3–0 goal. Moments later, Allende broke through on a Messi through-ball and chipped Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis to make it 4–0.
With the win, Miami avoided a similar disaster to last season when the star-studded group lost the first round series to No. 9-seed, Atlanta United. At the same time, it delayed the imminent retirement of superstars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Now, Inter Miami will visit FC Cincinnati in a single-knockout match in the Eastern Conference semifinal on either Nov. 22 or 23, after the MLS Cup playoffs take a break for the international window.
