Messi, Allende Lead Inter Miami to 4-0 Victory Over Nashville
Luis Suarez missed Game 3 of the Inter Miami vs. Nashville playoff series due to a red card suspension. Nearly a year after their disappointing first-round playoff exit at home, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates ensured that history did not repeat itself.
Both Messi and Tadeo Allende scored twice each, guiding Miami to a 4-0 win over Nashville SC. This victory sent Inter Miami to the knockout round of the MLS playoffs for the first time in club history.
Next Matchup
Inter Miami will face FC Cincinnati on the road in the Eastern Conference semifinal single-elimination game, scheduled for November 22 or 23.
Game Atmosphere and Strategy
The game was played at Chase Stadium, where Miami's season and pride were at stake. Star forward Luis Suarez watched from a suite due to suspension, while Nashville SC sought to end Miami’s season as Atlanta United had done the previous year.
Despite the pressure, Miami controlled the match from start to finish in the decisive game of the Best-of-3 series.
Coach's Perspective
“I thought the team played an almost perfect game,” said coach Javier Mascherano. “We played at a very high level on all our lines. We were very intense from the first minute, very organized in the high press.”
Mascherano encouraged his players to channel their frustration from the previous game’s loss into a focused, dominant performance on Saturday.
The team celebrated their historic win on the field and in the locker room, where the celebration continued long after the final whistle.
Summary
This victory marked a milestone for Inter Miami, securing their first advancement to the MLS playoff knockout stage and demonstrating their resilience and strength without key player Luis Suarez.
Author's summary: Inter Miami, powered by Messi and Allende's braces, secured a historic 4-0 win over Nashville, advancing to MLS playoffs’ knockout round for the first time ever.