Lionel Messi scored two goals and assisted on two by Tadeo Allende to spark Inter Miami in a 4-0 rout of Nashville on Saturday to advance in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Argentine icon Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute, added another goal in the 39th and set up compatriot Allende’s goals in the 73rd and 76th that sealed Miami’s triumph.
Inter Miami won the best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series 2-1 to book a second-round match against FC Cincinnati, who defeated Columbus 2-1 in another series-deciding encounter.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi ensured Miami would avoid a third first-round exit in four seasons after having fallen to Atlanta last year and New York City in 2022.
