Argentine superstar Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a resounding 4-0 victory over Nashville on Saturday, scoring twice in Game 3 of their first-round MLS playoff series and securing their place in the second round.
The former Barcelona star opened the scoring in the 10th minute and added a second in the 39th minute, before setting up two assists for his compatriot Tadeo Allende, who scored the other two goals (73rd and 76th minutes).
"I want to congratulate Leo on his performance," said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. "He was the first to dictate our high press. Seeing Leo press like that at 38 years old is incredible."
He added, "We all know Leo with the ball, but what Leo did without the ball today was amazing."
Inter Miami won their first-round Eastern Conference series 2-1 and will now face Cincinnati in another three-game series after Cincinnati defeated Columbus Crewe 2-1.
Messi succeeded in helping his team end their first-round knockout stage curse after being eliminated twice in recent years, losing to Atlanta last year and to New York City in 2022.
Messi ends Inter Miami curse, leading them to the second round
