"Every week, Messi does incredible things," Mascherano said in Spanish after the match. "Everyone knows how good Messi is with the ball, but he is also the first to press, leading the entire team. It is a privilege to coach Leo. When his teammates see Leo doing that, they cannot help but follow suit. It is extraordinary."
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Lionel Messi headed the opening goal in Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over Cincinnati in the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA on 23/11. Photo: AP |
At TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on 23/11, Messi played the full 90 minutes, recording 64 touches, an 89% passing accuracy with eight key passes, and three shots. The Argentine star headed the opening goal, then delivered a hat-trick of assists, earning a perfect 10 rating from Sofascore.
Messi set a record by contributing to 12 goals in this season's MLS playoffs, with 6 goals and 6 assists. Previously, he was the MLS regular season's top scorer with 29 goals and 19 assists. In total, the Argentine star contributed to 59 goals this season – an MLS record.
With 6 goals, Messi also leads the 2025 MLS playoff scoring race. The 38-year-old forward is nearing the record for most goals in a single MLS playoff campaign, currently held by Carlos Ruiz with 8 goals in 2002.
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Lionel Messi receives man of the match award. Photo: Inter Miami |
In this match, Mascherano made a surprising decision to bench Luis Suarez, a striker who had just completed a suspension, while continuing to trust 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti. Silvetti had performed strongly in the 4-0 victory over Nashville in the first round of the MLS Cup. Silvetti met his coach's expectations by assisting Messi and then scoring himself to double the lead. Tadeo Allende also shone with two goals in the second half, increasing his playoff tally to 5.
"When we found Leo and exploited the speed of our two wingers today, everything worked perfectly," Mascherano analyzed. "I always say that tactical ideas are only one part; the players are the executors. They deserve all the credit for their approach and courage in what was a difficult match here."
The Argentine coach also admitted that benching a legend like Suarez was not an easy decision. Mascherano praised Suarez's conduct, highlighting his greatness as both a player and a person. He emphasized, "In such situations, not everyone finds it easy to accept. But Suarez demonstrated his commitment to the team, to the collective, and sent a strong message to the squad."
Inter Miami secured their first victory at Cincinnati's home ground since 2021 and their first appearance in the Eastern Conference final since their establishment in 2020. Their opponent will be the winner of the match between New York City and Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 29/11. If they win again, Messi and his teammates will compete in the nationwide MLS Cup final against the Western Conference winner on 6/12.
"We have not yet reached our ultimate goal," Mascherano stated. "The distance is very close, but we cannot afford to be distracted. The entire team must continue to work, prepare well for the next match, and strive to secure a ticket to the MLS Cup final."
Hong Duy compiled
