Messi and Allende Lead Inter Miami to Historic Playoff Win
Luis Suarez missed Game 3 of the Inter Miami vs. Nashville playoff series due to a red card suspension. Nearly a year after their disappointing first-round playoff exit at home, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates ensured that history would not repeat.
Both Messi and Tadeo Allende scored two goals each, guiding Miami to a commanding 4-0 victory over Nashville SC. This win advanced the team to the knockout round of the MLS playoffs for the first time in club history.
Upcoming Match and Season Stakes
Inter Miami is set to face FC Cincinnati on the road on either November 22 or 23 in the single-elimination Eastern Conference semifinal game. The team’s season and pride were on the line Saturday night at Chase Stadium.
Game Context and Team Performance
Star forward Luis Suarez, suspended, watched the game from a suite. Nashville SC appeared on the field for the fourth consecutive time, aiming to end Miami’s season, just as Atlanta United had done a year earlier. However, Miami controlled the match from start to finish in the decisive game of the best-of-three series.
“I thought the team played an almost perfect game,” said coach Javier Mascherano. “We played at a very high level on all our lines. We were very intense from the first minute, very organized in the high press.”
Coach Mascherano encouraged his players to channel their frustration from the Game 2 loss into energy for Saturday’s victory. The team celebrated their historic triumph on the field and in the locker room, where music played loudly well after the final whistle.
Author's summary: Inter Miami’s decisive 4-0 playoff win, led by Messi and Allende’s braces, marks the club’s first advancement to the MLS knockout stage, highlighting their dominance and resilience.