On a chilly Sunday night in Cincinnati, Lionel Messi didn’t just play soccer—he rewrote history. With one goal and three assists, the 38-year-old Argentine legend led Inter Miami CF to a stunning 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Semifinal of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup PlayoffsTQL Stadium, advancing the Florida-based club to its first-ever Eastern Conference Final. The match, played at 7:30 PM Eastern Time, ended with a final whistle that echoed through the stands like a declaration: Inter Miami isn’t just here to compete—they’re here to win it all.
Messi’s Masterclass: A Night for the Ages
It began with a moment that felt inevitable. At the 19th minute, Messi received a low cross from Alejandro Alba, feinted past two defenders, and slotted the ball past FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Przemysław Tytoń. The crowd fell silent. Fox Deportes’ commentary captured the disbelief: "¡Gol! ¿Cómo no? A los 19 minutos está ganando Inter Miami 1 a 0." By halftime, the score was 1-0. The second half? Pure theater. Messi didn’t just score—he orchestrated. At the 57th minute, he threaded a perfect through ball to Jordi Alba, who finished cleanly. Two minutes later, he drew three defenders, then slipped a pass to Alejandro Pozuelo, who buried it from 12 yards. The final goal came in the 84th minute, a simple tap-in after Messi’s cross found the unmarked Santiago Rodríguez. Four goals. Four contributions. No one else in MLS history has ever reached 12 goal contributions in a single postseason. Messi did it in 10 games.Coach Mascherano: ‘It’s a Privilege to Coach Leo’
Javier Alejandro Mascherano, Inter Miami’s head coach and former Barcelona teammate of Messi, didn’t hold back after the match. "Weekend after weekend, he is incredible," Mascherano said in Spanish, later translated for English media. "We know how incredible he is with a ball, but he’s the first man to do the pressure, directing the team. He’s leading the team in defense, pressing high. When the teammates see Leo in this way, it’s impossible [not to] follow him. It’s unbelievable." The emotional weight of Mascherano’s words wasn’t lost on anyone. This wasn’t just about skill—it was about leadership. At 38, Messi isn’t just the best player on the field; he’s the heartbeat of a team that, just five years ago, was considered an afterthought in MLS.The Rise of Inter Miami: From Expansion Franchise to Contender
Founded in 2018 and joining MLS in 2020 as the league’s 25th team, Inter Miami CF has transformed from a novelty project into a powerhouse. Their home, Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, has become a pilgrimage site for soccer fans worldwide. But Sunday’s win was different—it came on the road, in a place where they hadn’t won since 2021. Ending a four-year drought at TQL Stadium wasn’t just a result—it was a statement. Defender Noah Allen, 21, spoke for the younger generation of players. "We’ve obviously got some of the best players in the world," Allen told Apple TV. "So we have to trust them, we have to trust ourselves, and that’s what we did today." His words reflected a quiet confidence that’s taken root in the locker room. This isn’t a team built around Messi—it’s a team that’s become better because of him.
The Road Ahead: Inter Miami vs. New York City FC
The Eastern Conference Final will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at a neutral venue yet to be announced. Their opponent? New York City FC, who stunned the league by eliminating the Supporters’ Shield champions, Philadelphia Union, 3-1 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania—on the same day as Inter Miami’s win. Philadelphia had finished the regular season with 71 points, the best record in MLS. Their elimination was a shock, but it sets up a dream final four: Messi’s Inter Miami against NYCFC, a club that’s quietly built a formidable squad under head coach Ronny Deila. The winner advances to the MLS Cup Final on December 6, 2025, at a neutral site to be determined.Why This Matters
Messi’s 29 regular-season goals earned him the 2025 MLS Golden Boot. But his playoff run—12 goal contributions in 10 games—isn’t just a statistic. It’s a cultural moment. For the first time, MLS isn’t just a league where stars retire—it’s a league where legends elevate it. The league’s average attendance jumped 22% this season, with Inter Miami games drawing over 45,000 fans per match. Broadcast deals have skyrocketed. And now, with a shot at the title, the entire soccer world is watching.
What’s Next?
Inter Miami will have six days to recover before facing NYCFC. With Messi’s workload increasing, Mascherano may rotate his midfield. But one thing is certain: the pressure is no longer on Messi to carry the team. It’s on the entire squad to match his intensity.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s 12-goal contribution record compare to other MLS postseason performances?
Messi’s 12 goal contributions (6 goals, 6 assists) in the 2025 playoffs surpass the previous record of 10, set by Carlos Vela in 2019. No player in MLS history has ever reached double digits in a single postseason. The next closest is Bradley Wright-Phillips with 9 in 2014. Messi’s pace—1.2 contributions per game—is unmatched, especially considering he’s 38.
Why is Inter Miami’s win at TQL Stadium significant?
Inter Miami had lost their last four visits to TQL Stadium since 2021, including a 2-1 defeat in 2024. Winning 4-0 there—on the road, in a hostile environment—shows their mental toughness. It’s also the first time FC Cincinnati has been shut out at home in the playoffs since 2020, highlighting how far Inter Miami has come defensively under Mascherano.
Who are the key players supporting Messi in this playoff run?
Beyond Messi, Jordi Alba has been relentless on the left flank with 3 assists in the playoffs. Santiago Rodríguez, 21, has scored 4 goals, including the clincher against Cincinnati. Alejandro Pozuelo, 28, has provided 5 assists and controls the tempo. Even goalkeeper Brandan Craig, who made 5 crucial saves in the semifinal, has stabilized a defense that conceded just 2 goals in 4 playoff matches.
What’s at stake for New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final?
NYCFC has never won an MLS Cup, and this is their best shot since 2021. They’ve built a balanced squad with MLS MVP candidate Valentín Castellanos (21 goals this season) and veteran midfielder Maxime Chanot. But they’ve never beaten Inter Miami in the playoffs. If they lose, it could trigger major front-office changes. For Messi’s team, a win means their first-ever MLS Cup Final appearance—and a chance to cement their legacy.
Could Messi play in the MLS Cup Final even if he’s injured?
Messi has played through minor muscle strains this season, and Mascherano says he’s "in perfect condition." But the club is monitoring his minutes closely. If he’s limited, Inter Miami’s depth—especially with young talents like Rodríguez and Allen—could carry them. Still, no one believes they win without him. His presence alone shifts defensive schemes, and his leadership in high-pressure moments remains unmatched.
How does this impact MLS’s global reputation?
This playoff run has drawn record international viewership, with Spanish-language broadcasts in 120 countries. European networks like beIN Sports and Sky Sports have increased coverage. For the first time, MLS isn’t seen as a retirement league—it’s a destination. Messi’s performance has sparked debates in Spain and Argentina about whether he’s playing better now than he did at 32. The league’s future TV deals could be worth billions if this momentum continues.