Inter Miami Stars Shine as Herons Soar Into Club History Books Against FC Cincinnati in Eastern Conference Semifinals

Lionel Messi once again etched his name in the history books on Sunday evening as he netted one goal and provided three assists to propel Inter Miami to a commanding 4–0 victory over FC Cincinnati, securing their first-ever Eastern Conference final appearance in franchise history.

The third-seeded Herons dominated proceedings against second-seeded FC Cincinnati, with Messi orchestrating all scoring plays by opening the account in the 19th minute before creating opportunities for Mateo Silvetti and a double from Tadeo Allende in the latter half to seal the comprehensive win.

Through his four-goal involvement, Messi shattered the MLS Cup playoffs record for most goal contributions in a single campaign, elevating his tally to six goals and six assists across the Herons' three-match series versus Nashville SC and Sunday's knockout triumph over Cincinnati.

Miami has progressed to MLS's final four and will either travel to face Supporters' Shield champions Philadelphia Union or welcome New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final, with an opportunity to reach MLS Cup against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, San Diego FC, or Minnesota United.

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. FC Cincinnati (4-3-3)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Rocco Ríos Novo—7.9: Ríos Novo preserved the shutout despite some early Cincinnati opportunities, producing five saves throughout the evening while organizing his center-back partnership of Maxi Falcón and Noah Allen.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—7.4: Inserted into the starting eleven after Ian Fray sustained an injury during World Cup qualifying duty with Jamaica, Weigandt remained solid against pressure from Lukas Engel and Brenner.

CB: Maximiliano Falcón—7.1: The Uruguayan defender received early guidance from Luis Suárez on the sideline and maintained composure throughout, recording seven defensive actions.

CB: Noah Allen—7.8: The Greece youth international featured for 71 minutes and delivered one of his finest performances in Inter Miami colors with 97% passing precision and nine defensive interventions.

LB: Jordi Alba—7.3: With retirement approaching, Alba displayed an attacking mindset. He required concussion assessment in the 10th minute but quickly returned to contribute significantly to Miami's opener.

RM: Rodrigo De Paul—7.4: The Argentina midfielder operated more centrally than previously, as Busquets dropped deeper. He congested the middle of the park and was instrumental in limiting Evander and Kévin Denkey's creative output.

CM: Sergio Busquets—8.1: Operating deeper as a makeshift center-back initially, Busquets postponed retirement considerations for another match.

LM: Baltasar Rodríguez—7.5: Substituted in the 76th minute, Rodríguez provided steady influence and executed several crucial overlapping runs with Jordi Alba and Mateo Silvetti.

RW: Tadeo Allende—8.9: Allende has mastered the art of maximizing Lionel Messi's presence, executing precisely that with two well-timed runs for his double to secure victory.

ST: Lionel Messi—9.7: Describing Messi's excellence becomes increasingly challenging. He once again displayed his brilliance tonight, contributing to 22 of Miami's previous 25 goals—all occurring within the last seven matches.

LW: Mateo Silvetti—8.4: After earning the starting position ahead of Luis Suárez, Silvetti justified the decision with a goal and assist before making way for Yannick Bright in the 82nd minute.

Subs not used: Oscar Ustari (GK), Fafa Picault, Santiago Morales, Allen Obando.

FC Cincinnati (3-5-2)

Starting XI: Roman Celentano; Teenage Hadebe, Miles Robinson, Nick Hagglund; Lukas Engel, Samuel Gidi, Evander, Pavel Bucha, Ender Echinique; Brenner, Kévin Denkey.

Subs used: Luca Orellano, Yuya Kubo, Ayoub Jabbari, Alvas Powell, Obinna Nwobodo.

Player of the Match: Lionel Messi

FC Cincinnati 0–4 Inter Miami—How it Unfolded at TQL Stadium

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano established his intentions early—this evening prioritized performance over sentiment and experience. Despite Luis Suárez featuring in most regular season fixtures, Mascherano benched him Sunday in favor of 19-year-old Argentine Mateo Silvetti, a decision that proved inspired.

The opening quarter-hour saw both sides finding their rhythm, with FC Cincinnati's designated player striker Kévin Denkey attempting the first effort from range, easily handled by Miami's Rocco Ríos Novo.

However, Cincinnati's optimism proved short-lived. Miami opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Jordi Alba—facing potential retirement—aggressively intercepted a pass from Cincinnati's Nick Haglund before releasing Messi. The Argentine surged forward and found Silvetti, whose precise delivery located Messi's header for the breakthrough.

Cincinnati threatened moments later as Ender Echenique's effort sailed narrowly wide of the far post, but Miami maintained their intensity. Sergio Busquets released Messi on a breakaway in the 27th minute, where the Argentine's far-post attempt missed the target.

While the interval arrived with the Herons leading 1–0, Messi's influence was clearly building toward another memorable performance.

Miami and Messi efficiently dispatched Cincinnati in the second period, with Messi setting up Silvetti in the 57th minute for the younger Argentine to double the advantage. Shortly after, he delivered the first perfect through ball to Allende in the 62nd minute, repeating the feat with an exquisite trivela pass in the 74th minute to complete the emphatic victory.

Running riot in Cincy. 🔥

ANOTHER assist for Messi. ANOTHER finish from Allende. 4-0. // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/wWhhbQIKhN

For Messi, the evening represented complete excellence. Beyond breaking the MLS Cup playoffs goal contribution record, he elevated his 2025 statistics to 38 goals and 22 assists across 40 appearances in all competitions.

The pressing question for Miami moving forward: Will Mascherano return to Suárez, or has Silvetti established himself as the preferred striker partner for Messi?

FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami Halftime Stats

FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami Full Time Statistics