Lionel Messi’s Brace Propels Inter Miami into MLS Cup Playoffs Second Round

Lionel Messi delivered a masterful performance on November 8, 2025, scoring twice and assisting two more as Inter Miami crushed Nashville SC 4-0 in the decisive Game 3 of the MLS Cup Eastern Conference first round, advancing 2-1 in the best-of-three series. The 38-year-old Argentine superstar opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a left-footed strike after a deflected clearance, then doubled the lead in the 39th off a pass from 19-year-old rookie Mateo Silvetti. Fellow compatriot Tadeo Allende sealed the rout with goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes—both set up by Messi—including a delicate chip over the keeper. Miami, playing without suspended striker Luis Suarez, avoided a third first-round exit in four seasons and now faces FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Messi’s brace took his season tally to a league-leading mark, powering the Supporters’ Shield winners into the next round, where they will travel to Cincinnati, who eliminated Columbus Crew 2-1 on goals from Brazilian striker Brenner Souza da Silva (67th and 86th minutes) after Jacen Russell-Rowe’s opener. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s clinical display underscored his enduring brilliance in his second full MLS campaign, with Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praising the team’s resilience after last week’s loss in Nashville.

In the Western Conference, 10-man Minnesota United staged a dramatic comeback to oust Seattle Sounders 7-6 on penalties after a 3-3 draw, advancing to face the winner of Sunday’s Portland-San Diego decider. Seattle led 2-0 inside eight minutes through Albert Rusnak and Danny Musovski, but Minnesota equalised via Joaquin Pereyra (19th) despite Joseph Rosales’ red card in the 41st. Headers from Jefferson Diaz (62nd) and Anthony Markanich (71st) put the Loons ahead before Jordan Morris’ 88th-minute strike forced penalties. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, scored in the 10th round, while injured Seattle substitute Andrew Thomas hit the crossbar to hand Minnesota victory.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Ready for 2026 FIFA World Cup — if Fitness Permits

With the playoffs intensifying, Messi’s Inter Miami remains the team to beat in the East, setting up a high-stakes rematch against Cincinnati—the only side to defeat them during the regular season. The second-round series begins next weekend, as the race for the MLS Cup heats up with underdogs thriving and superstars shining under postseason pressure.

Also Read: Messi Inspires Inter Miami Comeback With Stunning Hat-Trick Against Nashville