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 playoff exit at home, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates ensured history would not repeat itself.
Messi and Tadeo Allende each scored two goals, guiding Miami to a commanding 4-0 victory over Nashville SC. This win advanced Inter Miami to the knockout round of the MLS playoffs for the first time in the club’s history.
Next Challenge
Inter Miami will face FC Cincinnati on the road in the single-elimination Eastern Conference semifinal game, scheduled for either November 22 or 23.
Game Highlights
Their season and pride were at stake Saturday night at Chase Stadium. Star forward Luis Suarez was suspended and watched the match from a suite, while Nashville SC returned for the fourth consecutive game, aiming to end Miami’s season just as Atlanta United had done the previous year.
However, Miami controlled the game from start to finish in the decisive match of the best-of-three series. Coach Javier Mascherano encouraged his players to channel their frustration from the Game 2 loss into determination on Saturday.
“I thought the team played an almost perfect game,” Mascherano said. “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 on the field and later in the locker room, where loud music played long after the final whistle.
Author’s summary: Inter Miami, spearheaded by Messi and Allende’s braces, achieved a historic 4-0 playoff win over Nashville SC, advancing in the MLS playoffs for the first time ever.