Lionel Messi scored a goal and created three more for his Inter Miami team as they defeated FC Cincinnati 4-0 Sunday to advance to their first Eastern Conference final. Messi’s Miami will now host New York City FC, who emerged to the Eastern Conference final thanks to a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. The winner of the Inter Miami vs New York City FC game will now advance to the MLS Cup on December 6.
Thanks to his heroics on Sunday, Messi set an MLS playoff record with 12 goal contributions (six goals, six assists).
Messi had been scoreless in three matches against Cincinnati, but that streak ended in the 19th minute Sunday when he headed a short cross from Mateo Silvetti, giving Miami a 1-0 lead. Messi, a World Cup champion with Argentina and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, had his 11th goal in the last seven games.
Nine minutes after scoring, Messi found himself alone with the keeper, but his shot toward the far post sailed wide.
“Proud of how the team played on a very, very difficult field and against a very, very tough opponent,” Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said. “I think from the first minute it wasn’t about holding back. It was about going after the game and being ourselves. I think today the players played a virtually perfect match.”
The result was heartbreaking for Cincinnati, who had the second-best overall record in MLS behind Philadelphia after winning the Supporters Shield last season. Cincinnati had also lost to the Columbus Crew in last year’s conference finals.
“Tough night to end this way,” FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said. “Credit to Miami. They were better tonight. To the fans, sorry how it ended. It’s disappointing. You have to own it.”
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Cincinnati’s best scoring chance came in the first half when Ender Echenique sent a header across the box to Evander, who shot over the bar.
Miami had seven shots on goal to Cincinnati’s four.
(With inputs from AP)
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