Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami thrashed Nashville 4-0 to progress to the MLS Eastern Conference semi-final for the first time in the club’s history.
The 38-year-old, who last week was presented with the key to the city of Miami, netted his 41st and 42nd goal in all competitions this season as Inter bested their opponents from Tennessee 8-3 on aggregate and 2-1 in the best-of-three series to set up a trip to FC Cincinnati in the next round.
Tadeo Allende also bagged a brace, with both of the Argentine’s strikes coming in the second half after his compatriot had given Inter a commanding lead going into the break.
Miami were without striker Luis Suarez, who served a one-game suspension for violent conduct during last week’s defeat to Nashville – a decision head coach Javier Mascherano called “very strange.”
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi got Miami on their way after just 10 minutes, firing a left-footed shot into the lower right corner from the edge of the box.
He doubled the advantage six minutes before half time when he rolled home Mateo Silvetti’s unselfish ball across after the 19-year-old had latched onto Jordi Alba’s long pass.
Nashville had a goal chalked off before Allende tapped in a third from Alba’s incisive cut-back in the 73rd minute.
Allende was again on the scoresheet three minutes later, audaciously chipping goalkeeper Joe Willis from a Messi through-ball.
It was a resounding win for the hosts, one that means Miami are now just three wins away from an MLS Cup title.
Messi is also the heavy favourite to pick up what would be his second MLS MVP award. Should that happen, he would become the first back-to-back winner in league history.
Inter Miami face FC Cincinnati in a single-knockout match on either 22 or 23 Nov, after which the MLS Cup playoffs take a break for the international window.
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