Messi and Allende Lead Inter Miami to Historic Playoff Victory
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 exit at home, Lionel Messi and his teammates ensured a different outcome.
Dominant Performance in Decisive Game
Both Messi and Tadeo Allende scored twice, guiding Miami to a 4-0 win over Nashville SC. This victory allowed Inter Miami to reach the knockout round of the MLS playoffs for the first time in club history.
Upcoming Challenge
Inter Miami will face FC Cincinnati on the road on either November 22 or 23 in the single-elimination Eastern Conference semifinal.
Game Context and Atmosphere
Miami’s season and pride were at stake at Chase Stadium. Star forward Luis Suarez was suspended and watching from a suite, while Nashville SC aimed to end Miami’s season, similar to Atlanta United's victory over Miami the previous year.
Miami controlled the match from beginning to end in this decisive Best-of-3 series game. Coach Javier Mascherano encouraged the team to turn their frustration from the Game 2 loss into positive energy on the field.
“I thought the team played an almost perfect game. 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.”
The team celebrated their historic win both on the field and in the locker room, where loud music played long after the final whistle.
Author's summary: Inter Miami secured a historic 4-0 playoff win over Nashville, propelled by Messi and Allende's braces, advancing to the MLS knockout round for the first time.