Lionel Messi scores two goals and assists two more as Inter Miami beat Nashville 4-0 to set up MLS Cup playoff clash with FC Cincinnati
LIONEL MESSI led Inter Miami into the MLS Cup playoffs second round with a commanding 4-0 victory over Nashville on Saturday.
The Argentine superstar scored twice and provided two assists as Miami won their Eastern Conference first-round series 2-1.
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a left-footed shot into the lower right corner after collecting a deflected ball.
The 38-year-old doubled Miami’s advantage in the 39th minute, firing home from outside the box off a pass from Argentine rookie Mateo Silvetti.
Compatriot Tadeo Allende sealed the victory with two late goals, both created by Messi assists in the 73rd and 76th minutes.
Miami advanced despite missing suspended Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who was banned for violent conduct in last week’s loss at Nashville.
The victory sets up a second-round Eastern Conference matchup against FC Cincinnati, who defeated Columbus 2-1 in their series decider.
Brazilian striker Brenner Souza scored twice in the final 25 minutes to overcome Columbus’s 61st-minute lead from Canadian Jacen Russell-Rowe.
In Western Conference action, 10-man Minnesota United advanced after a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout victory over Seattle following a 3-3 draw.
The match went to 10 penalty rounds before Seattle’s injured goalkeeper Andrew Thomas hit the crossbar with his attempt.
Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St Clair scored the winning penalty after his team played most of the match with 10 men following Joseph Rosales’s 41st-minute red card.
Minnesota will face the winner of Sunday’s match between Portland and top seed San Diego in the next round. – AFP
