Messi and Allende Lead Inter Miami to 4-0 Victory Over Nashville
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 on home ground, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates ensured history did not repeat.
Both Messi and Tadeo Allende scored twice, guiding Miami to a 4-0 victory over Nashville SC and advancing the team to the knockout round of the MLS playoffs for the first time ever. Inter Miami will face FC Cincinnati on the road in the Eastern Conference semifinal on November 22 or 23.
Decisive Match at Chase Stadium
With their season and pride on the line, Miami dominated from the start in the decisive match of the best-of-three series. Star forward Luis Suarez watched from a suite due to suspension, while Nashville SC tried to end Miami’s season like Atlanta United had done the previous year.
“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.”
Team Reaction and Celebration
Mascherano encouraged his players to channel their frustration from the Game 2 loss into energy for this match. After the historic win, the team celebrated loudly on the field and continued the festivities in the locker room long after the final whistle.
Upcoming Challenges
- Inter Miami advances to Eastern Conference semifinal.
- Upcoming match against FC Cincinnati on Nov. 22 or 23.
Summary: Inter Miami, powered by Messi and Allende’s two goals each, secured a historic 4-0 win over Nashville, advancing to their first MLS playoff knockout round.