On a chilly Sunday evening in Cincinnati, Lionel Messi didn’t just play soccer—he rewrote the script. At the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference SemifinalTQL Stadium, the 37-year-old Argentine maestro led Inter Miami CF to a stunning 4-0 demolition of FC Cincinnati, eliminating the league’s second-best regular-season team and sending Miami to their first-ever Eastern Conference Final. The win wasn’t just a result—it was a statement. And it came with a level of precision that felt almost unfair.
How Messi Turned a Hostile Stadium Into His Playground
The game began with FC Cincinnati, buoyed by a sellout crowd of 26,500 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, looking sharp. Their star duo, Evander and Kévin Denkey, had terrorized Miami in the regular season, and their 3-0 home win back in July still lingered in the air. But within minutes, the script flipped. In the 19th minute, Jordi Alba intercepted a lazy pass from Nick Hagglund, fired a diagonal ball to Mateo Silvetti, who curled a perfect cross into the six-yard box. Messi, timing his run like a veteran chess player, rose above everyone and headed it past Roman Celentano. The stadium fell silent. Not because of the noise—it was deafening—but because the crowd knew they’d just witnessed something rare.The Assist Machine: Messi’s Third Act
What followed wasn’t just dominance—it was artistry. At 57’, Messi received the ball near the edge of the box, feinted right, then slipped a pass to Silvetti, who unleashed a curling 25-yard rocket into the top corner. The goal was pure instinct, the kind that only comes from years of playing with the same rhythm. Then came the brace from Tadeo Allende. First, in the 62nd minute, Messi danced past two defenders, drew the keeper, and laid it off for Allende to tap in. Then, at 74’, he picked out Allende with a disguised through ball that split the defense wide open. Allende didn’t even break stride. The final whistle blew at 90+2’, and Miami’s bench erupted—not in celebration of a win, but in awe of a performance.FC Cincinnati’s Playoff Curse Deepens
For FC Cincinnati, this was heartbreak wrapped in irony. They finished second in the 2025 MLS regular season, outscored Miami 9-1 in their last two home games against them, and brought in top-tier talent like Evander and Denkey to finally break through. Yet here they were—eliminated at home for the third straight year. Their playoff record? Six wins, four losses, two draws since 2019. But in critical moments, they fold. They had chances: E. Echenique’s shot rattled the post in the second minute, and Celentano made several saves, but the team lacked a spark without Messi’s presence. Their midfield, once so dynamic, looked disjointed. The pressure of expectation, it seems, is heavier than any trophy.Inter Miami’s Transformation: From Expansion Joke to Title Contender
When Messi arrived in July 2023, Inter Miami was a laughingstock—a team that barely cracked the playoffs, owned by a celebrity owner, and playing in front of half-empty stands. Now? They’re one win away from hosting the MLS Cup presented by AudiChase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Their playoff goal tally? Nine in seven games. Messi has become the gravitational center of this team, and his influence extends far beyond goals. Silvetti, 19, is now a household name. Allende, 23, has matured into a clinical finisher. Even Alba, 35, looks like he’s playing with a second wind.
What’s Next? A Showdown with Philadelphia or NYCFC
The Eastern Conference Final will pit Inter Miami against either the Philadelphia Union, who claimed the Supporters’ Shield with a league-best 67 points, or New York City FC, the fifth seed that stunned the top-seeded Columbus Crew in the first round. The Union, with their disciplined structure and home advantage at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, are favorites. But Miami has momentum—and Messi. If Miami wins, they’ll host the final on December 6, 2025, at Chase Stadium. If Philadelphia wins, the final will be in Chester. Either way, the stage is set for a historic night.Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about soccer. It’s about legacy. Messi, at 37, is playing with a hunger that defies age. He’s not just winning—he’s elevating an entire league. MLS has spent years trying to prove it belongs on the global stage. This performance? It didn’t just prove it—it shouted it. And for fans in Cincinnati, it was a reminder: sometimes, the best team doesn’t win the regular season. Sometimes, it wins when it matters most.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Messi’s performance compare to his previous MLS playoff games?
Messi’s 4-goal night (1 goal, 3 assists) was his most dominant playoff performance yet. He now has nine goals in seven MLS Cup Playoff matches since joining Inter Miami in 2023, averaging more than a point per game in the postseason. His assist rate in these games is 1.7 per match—higher than his regular-season average—proving he elevates his play when stakes are highest.
Why did FC Cincinnati lose despite finishing second in the regular season?
FC Cincinnati’s regular-season success was built on home dominance and a high-scoring attack, but their playoff record shows a pattern of collapse under pressure. They’ve lost at home in the playoffs three years in a row. Against Miami, they couldn’t handle Messi’s vision, lacked midfield control, and failed to convert early chances. Their roster is talented, but they lack the playoff DNA that Miami now has.
Who has home advantage in the Eastern Conference Final?
Home advantage goes to the team with the better regular-season record. Inter Miami finished 8th in the East with 49 points, while Philadelphia Union earned the Supporters’ Shield with 67 points. If Miami wins the semifinal and Philadelphia wins theirs, the final will be in Chester. If NYCFC advances, Miami will host since they have a better record than NYCFC’s 51 points.
Is this the first time Inter Miami reached the Eastern Conference Final?
Yes. Founded in 2020, Inter Miami had never advanced past the first round of the MLS playoffs until now. Their 2023 playoff run ended in a penalty shootout loss to Charlotte FC. This year’s run, powered by Messi’s leadership and a deepening squad, marks a historic breakthrough for the franchise—and a turning point for MLS.
What’s at stake for Messi in the MLS Cup Final?
Messi has never won a major club trophy outside of Europe’s top leagues. While he’s won everything in Spain and Argentina, an MLS Cup would complete his global legacy. More importantly, it would cement his impact on American soccer—not just as a star attraction, but as the catalyst that turned a fringe team into champions. If he lifts the trophy in December, it’ll be the most significant achievement of his post-Barcelona career.
How does this result affect MLS’s global reputation?
This performance, especially Messi’s dominance on such a big stage, sends a powerful message: MLS is no longer a retirement league. It’s a competitive, high-stakes environment where elite players still elevate their game. Broadcasters worldwide will now treat MLS playoffs as must-watch events. For young talents in Latin America and Europe, this could mean more top-tier players see MLS as a legitimate destination—not just a final stop.