Inter Miami Stars Shine in Historic MLS Cup Playoff Triumph Over Nashville SC

Inter Miami progressed beyond the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since their MLS debut in 2020, defeating Nashville SC 4–0 on Saturday evening to secure the best-of-three series victory.

The Herons kicked off the series with a 3–1 triumph over Nashville, before falling 2–1 away from home in the second match, as Nashville pushed for the deciding encounter.

Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with skillful dribbling that led to a strike from outside the penalty area. He increased the Herons' advantage in the 39th minute after combining with Mateo Silvetti, who had slipped behind Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman.

The Herons stretched their lead in the closing stages, with Messi and Alba providing assists, as they set up a simple finish for Tadeo Allende's 3–0 strike. Shortly after, Allende capitalized on a Messi through-pass and lobbed Nashville keeper Joe Willis to secure a 4–0 victory.

With this triumph, Miami prevented a repeat of last season's disappointment when the talent-laden squad fell in the opening round series to No. 9-seed Atlanta United. Simultaneously, it postponed the approaching retirement of legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Inter Miami will now travel to FC Cincinnati for a single-elimination clash in the Eastern Conference semifinal on either Nov. 22 or 23, following the MLS Cup playoffs' pause for the international break.

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Nashville SC (4-4-2)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Rocco Ríos Novo—8.1: Ríos Novo wasn't tested with a shot until after the 50th minute, but had minimal work to complete on a commanding evening for the hosts.

RB: Ian Fray—7.1: The Jamaican international adopted a cautious approach, remaining defensive and neutralizing Nashville's wide attacks.

CB: Maximiliano Falcón—7.1: The central defender experienced some concerning moments initially, but recovered well and contributed to the Herons' clean sheet.

CB: Noah Allen—6.6: Following difficulties in the second match, Allen remained calm with possession and in defensive duels.

LB: Jordi Alba—7.9: Consistent with his entire career, Alba connected with Messi and earned an assist, guaranteeing he'll feature in at least one more professional game.

RM: Tadeo Allende—9.2: Assuming greater offensive duties due to Luis Suárez's absence, Allende concluded the evening with two goals, including a spectacular lobbed finish.

CM: Rodrigo De Paul—7.1: The Argentine received a yellow card and seemed to have difficulty matching Nashville's limited counter-attacks.

CM: Sergio Busquets—6.7: The experienced Spanish midfielder contributed four defensive actions.

LM: Baltasar Rodríguez—7.4: Substituted at the 60-minute mark, Rodríguez recorded two attempts and two successful dribbles.

ST: Lionel Messi—9.3: Messi delivered his finest performance at Chase Stadium, punishing Nashville from the start.

ST: Mateo Silvetti—7.5: Filling the striker position for the suspended Suárez, Silvetti assisted Messi's second goal.

Subs not used: Oscar Ustari (GK), Gonzalo Luján, Marcelo Weigandt, Santiago Morales, Allen Obando, Fafà Picault.

Nashville SC (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Joe Willis; Andy Najar, Walker Zimmerman, Jack Maher, Josh Bauer; Patrick Yazbek, Edvard Tagseth, Matthew Corcoran; Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, Alex Muyl

Subs used: Daniel Lovitz, Gaston Brugman, Jacob Shaffelburg, Teal Bunbury, Tyler Boyd.

Player of the Match: Lionel Messi

Inter Miami 4–0 Nashville SC –– How it Developed at Chase Stadium

Inter Miami left no doubt in their victory over Nashville SC on Saturday evening, concluding the best-of-three series with a commanding 4–0 triumph on home soil.

Once more, Lionel Messi was instrumental in their success. The Argentine began the match with exceptional energy and netted the opener after weaving past multiple defenders, delivering a precisely placed shot to beat Joe Willis from outside the penalty area.

It had to be him. 🐐

Messi strikes first for @InterMiamiCF! // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/TJyxbLvK9T

Throughout the evening, the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient remained dangerous. Miami doubled their advantage in the 39th minute, playing a ball over the defense which escaped a clearance attempt from Nashville center back Walker Zimmerman. The ball reached Miami's Mateo Silvetti who, without delay, provided Messi with his second goal.

While Nashville created a few opportunities in the opening half, they couldn't challenge Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. Their finest chance arrived in the 15th minute when former MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar sent a free-kick wide of the target.

Seeking to mount a recovery, Nashville increased their intensity in the second half, as winger Jacob Shaffelburg joined the action and put Miami center backs Noah Allen and Maxi Falcón under pressure. However, it proved insufficient to bring the Tennessee team back into contention before matters deteriorated rapidly.

Messi to Alba to Allende for 3-0! 🤝@InterMiamiCF in control at home. // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/UhFvJuidHN

Already holding a comfortable lead, Miami added a third goal through a swift combination between Messi and Alba, which concluded with Tadeo Allende tapping into an empty net in the 73rd minute. Shortly thereafter, Messi delivered a perfectly timed pass to Allende, who completed the scoring with a delicate chip from distance to confirm the result.

Perfect pass, brilliant finish. 😍

Messi links up with Allende to make it FOUR. // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/zpDOJmbbX9

Having secured their inaugural series triumph, Miami now prepare to face a talented FC Cincinnati team in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Should they prevail in that single elimination fixture, they would stand just two victories away from claiming MLS Cup.

Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami Halftime Statistics

Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC Full Time Statistics