### Messi's Brilliance Propels Inter Miami to Historic Eastern Conference Final Inter Miami CF achieved a significant milestone in their Major League Soccer (MLS) journey by advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in the club's history. This achievement was largely fueled by the extraordinary performance of Lionel Messi, who contributed a goal and three assists in a commanding 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati. Messi's performance not only secured the win but also set a new MLS playoff record with a total of 12 goal contributions (six goals and six assists) throughout the playoffs, showcasing his pivotal role in Miami's success this season [https://apnews.com/article/inter-miami-cincinnati-score-a812508c40c93b26c14115cb84eef168][https://www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/2025/news/lionel-messi-sets-playoff-record-with-historic-performance-in-fc-cincinnati-rout]. ### Breakdown of Inter Miami's Victory and Messi's Impact 1. **Match Overview**: - Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati 4-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinal. - Tadeo Allende scored two goals, while Messi contributed one goal and three assists [https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2025/11/24/messis-goal-3-assists-power-inter-miami-past-fc-cincinnati-4-0-into-eastern-conference-final]. 2. **Historical Significance**: - This victory marks Inter Miami's first appearance in the Eastern Conference finals, a significant achievement for the club [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/lionel-messi-goal-assist-as-inter-miami-beats-fc-cincinnati-4-0-enters-mls-east-conference-final/article70316257.ece]. - Messi's record of 12 playoff goal contributions is unprecedented in MLS history [https://www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/2025/news/lionel-messi-sets-playoff-record-with-historic-performance-in-fc-cincinnati-rout]. 3. **Next Steps**: - Inter Miami will face the winner of the Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC match in the Eastern Conference final [https://apnews.com/article/inter-miami-cincinnati-score-a812508c40c93b26c14115cb84eef168]. ### Key Performance Metrics and Records - **Lionel Messi's Contributions**: - **Goals**: 1 - **Assists**: 3 - **Total Playoff Contributions**: 12 (6 goals, 6 assists) [https://www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/2025/news/lionel-messi-sets-playoff-record-with-historic-performance-in-fc-cincinnati-rout]. - **Match Statistics**: - **Final Score**: Inter Miami 4, FC Cincinnati 0 - **Goals by Tadeo Allende**: 2 - **Cincinnati's Best Chance**: A header from Evander that went over the bar [https://apnews.com/article/inter-miami-cincinnati-score-a812508c40c93b26c14115cb84eef168]. ### Conclusion: Messi's Legacy and Miami's Future **Inter Miami's triumph over FC Cincinnati not only highlights Messi's exceptional talent but also sets the stage for a promising future in the MLS playoffs.** The team's historic advancement to the Eastern Conference finals, driven by Messi's record-setting performance, positions them as strong contenders for the MLS Cup. 1. **Historic Win**: Inter Miami's first Eastern Conference final appearance. 2. **Messi's Record**: 12 playoff goal contributions, a new MLS record. 3. **Next Challenge**: Awaiting the winner of the Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC match. This victory encapsulates the potential of Inter Miami under Messi's leadership, as they aim for further glory in the MLS playoffs [https://www.bluewin.ch/en/sport/football/outstanding-messi-leads-miami-into-the-playoff-semi-finals-for-the-first-time-2976707.html][https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/lionel-messi-produces-magic-as-inter-miami-thrashes-cincinnati-faces-new-york-city-fc-next/article70316236.ece].