Messi’s goal, three assists power Inter Miami into the Eastern Conference finals

CINCINNATI – Lionel Messi had a goal and three assists and Tadeo Allende scored twice as Inter Miami beat FC Cincinnati 4-0 on Sunday to reach the Eastern Conference final.

Miami will take on the winner of Sunday’s other conference semifinal between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC.

Messi set an MLS playoff record with 12 goals (six goals, six assists).

Cincinnati had the second-best overall record in MLS behind Philadelphia after winning the Supporters’ Shield last season. Cincinnati defeated the Columbus Crew in the conference finals last year.

Messi had not scored in three games against Cincinnati, but that streak ended Sunday in the 19th minute when he headed in a short cross from Matteo Silvetti, giving Miami a 1-0 lead. Messi, a World Cup champion with Argentina and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, scored his 11th goal in the last seven games.

Nine minutes after scoring, Messi found himself alone with the keeper, but his shot went wide of the far post.

Cincinnati’s best scoring chance came in the first half when Ander Achenek sent a header across the box to Evander, who fired over the bar.

Miami had seven shots on goal to Cincinnati’s four.

Miami made it two goals 10 minutes into the second half when Silvetti beat Cincinnati keeper Roman Celentano with a shot from the left side of the box.

In the 62nd minute, Messi passed through the defense to Allende, who made it 3-0. Allen scored again in the 74th minute.

Cincinnati defeated Miami 3–0 at home on July 16, and played to a scoreless draw in Fort Lauderdale on July 26. Messi was in line for the first meeting, but not the second.