Messi Magic Propels Inter Miami to MLS Playoffs Victory; Shatters Assist Record, Leaves Ronaldo in His Wake
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Inter Miami's Lionel Messi stole the show on Sunday night, scoring twice and setting a new assist record in a 4-0 thrashing of Nashville SC. The victory secured a 2-1 win in the best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series and set up a second-round showdown with FC Cincinnati. Despite the absence of suspended striker Luis Suarez, Messi proved to be the difference-maker, scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute and doubling the lead with a left-footed shot from outside the box in the 36th minute. In the second half, Messi provided assists for compatriot Allende's goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes, securing Inter Miami's triumph. The 38-year-old's impressive performance brought him within striking distance of his next milestone, 894 career goals, but more notably, he reached 400 career assists, the most by any active player. This achievement puts him just four assists shy of Ferenc Puskás' record. Meanwhile, in the night's other match, 10-man Minnesota United edged Seattle 7-6 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in the Western Conference, securing a second-round date with either Portland or top seed San Diego. In a separate Eastern Conference matchup, FC Cincinnati came from behind to defeat Columbus 2-1, thanks to goals from Brazilian forward Brenner Souza in the 67th and 86th minutes. The win sets up a second-round showdown between FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami.
