London: Lionel Messi produced a masterclass performance, scoring once and providing three assists, as Inter Miami thrashed FC Cincinnati 4-0 to secure a place in the Eastern Conference final for the first time. Tadeo Allende added a brace for Miami, cementing the team’s dominant showing.

Messi’s contributions set a new MLS playoff record with 12 goal involvements this season, combining six goals and six assists. Miami will face the winner of the other semifinal between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC.

After a scoreless streak against Cincinnati in previous encounters, Messi broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a precise header from a Mateo Silvetti cross. Miami extended the lead early in the second half when Silvetti converted a left-sided shot past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

In the 62nd minute, Messi delivered a perfectly timed pass to Allende, who scored to make it 3-0, before Allende struck again in the 74th minute to seal the emphatic victory. Miami dominated the match, registering seven shots on goal compared to Cincinnati’s four.