For the first time in its history, Inter Miami will play in the MLS Eastern Conference final and they can thank Lionel Messi. Founded in 2018 under the leadership of David Beckham, the Florida club defeated Cincinnati (4-0), on the night of Sunday to Monday, in the Conference semi-finals of the North American championship. Javier Mascherano’s team is two wins away from the title.
Messi left the opposing defenders no chance and no room for suspense on the Ohio pitch. From the 19th minute, the Argentine genius came out of his usual wide range to open the scoring. The former Paris Saint-Germain player orchestrated a one-two half-width of the field before throwing himself into the area and scoring with a header, standing 1.70 m tall.
a record
What’s next? A masterclass in passing dosage. The eight-time Ballon d’Or first shifted Mateo Silvetti perfectly from the entrance to the penalty area (57th). Shortly after the hour mark, he perfectly served Tadeo Allende, who drove the ball 25 meters to finish. Rebelote a dozen minutes later, with a delight from the outside of the foot addressed in the race of Allende (74th) for the final point of the game.
After four matches in these MLS playoffs, the “Pulga” has already been decisive twelve times. A record, with potentially two games remaining in Miami if the Floridians qualify for the final. To achieve this, Inter has a meeting with New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final, winner of Philadelphia (1-0).
