Messi shines to bring Inter Miami to the final

With a classy performance, Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami crush FC Cincinnati 4-0 to reach the MLS Cup Eastern Conference final.

Messi is still shining at the age of 38 - Photo: REUTERS

On the morning of November 24, Messi and Inter Miami visited FC Cincinnati - the second seeded team and highly rated thanks to their superior head-to-head record.

However, Lionel Messi's brilliance turned the semi-final into a private stage for president Beckham's team.

Under the direction of coach Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami surprised everyone by leaving veteran Luis Suarez on the bench and naming young talent Mateo Silvetti in the starting lineup.

This decision quickly took effect thanks to the good connection between Messi and his compatriot. In the 19th minute, from a combination on the left wing, Messi delicately passed the ball to Silvetti. This young player crossed the ball accurately for Messi to head in to open the score 1-0 for Inter Miami.

Cincinnati came back strongly after conceding the goal and created a number of dangerous chances, most notably Ender Echenique's shot that went wide. However, that was all the home team could do before Messi continued his "destruction" in the second half.

Messi is aiming for the 2025 MLS Cup championship with Inter Miami - Photo: REUTERS

In the second half, Messi dropped deep to play a constructive role and directly "set the table" for his teammates to score. In the 57th minute, the former Barca striker passed the ball conveniently to the edge of the penalty area for Silvetti to execute a beautiful curling shot, raising the score to 2-0.

In the 62nd minute, the 38-year-old superstar made a favorable pass to help Tadeo Allende score the third goal. In the 74th minute, Messi once again broke the offside trap, assisting Allende to complete his double, sealing a resounding 4-0 victory.

With 1 goal and 3 assists in this match, Lionel Messi has officially reached the milestone of having a hand in 1,300 goals in his career (896 goals and 404 assists). In the MLS playoffs this year alone, the Argentine superstar has participated in 12 goals.

This convincing victory helps Inter Miami to play in the Eastern Conference final (semifinals of the MLS Cup). Their opponent in the upcoming match will be the winner of the match between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/messi-choi-sang-dua-inter-miami-vao-chung-ket-20251124082435186.htm