One is 38 years old, the other is 19. Both are Argentine, both born in Rosario. And now, they share the same club. With a brilliant connection between Lionel Messi and Mateo Silvetti, Inter Miami scored their first two goals. Then an Argentine from the generation in between decided he should make his mark too! And just like that, Tadeo Allende struck twice. Four goals from three generations of Argentine footballers opened a new chapter for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami reached their first-ever Eastern Conference final in Major League Soccer after thrashing FC Cincinnati 4–0 in the semi-final.”
On Cincinnati’s home turf early Monday morning (Bangladesh time), Miami took the lead in the first half when Messi headed in a cross from Silvetti. In the second half, Silvetti scored from a Messi pass, before 26-year-old Allende added two more goals—both created by Messi.
Another Argentine for Miami could have stretched the lead even further. But late in the match, Rodrigo De Paul failed to convert a golden opportunity created by Messi.
With 29 goals and 19 assists in the regular season, Messi has all but secured a second straight “Most Valuable Player” award—it feels like only a matter of time. He has contributed in every playoff match as well, now sitting on six goals and six assists.
Coach Javier Mascherano opted for a youthful attack alongside Messi, leaving veteran Luis Suárez on the bench—and the plan worked brilliantly.
The match began with both teams trading chances. In the opening 15 minutes, Cincinnati tried a header and a long-range strike, but both were stopped by Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.
Miami broke through in the 19th minute with their first real attack. Messi collected a pass after a dummy from De Paul near the box and played it wide to Silvetti on the left. Silvetti swung in the cross, and Messi headed it home unmarked.
In the 25th minute, Messi set up Baltasar Rodríguez, whose shot was saved by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. Moments later, Messi ran onto a long ball, nearly one-on-one, but dragged his shot just wide.
Early in the second half, Silvetti cut inside from the left and unleashed a dangerous shot, but Celentano produced another superb save.
Soon after, Silvetti wouldn’t be denied. From another Messi pass, he found space in the box and scored with a precise low finish.
Five minutes later, Messi threaded a brilliant pass between two defenders in midfield. Allende sprinted through unchallenged and calmly slotted past the keeper.
His next goal came from almost the same blueprint. Another superb Messi through-ball split the defense. This time a defender chased him down, but Allende shrugged him off and finished past the advancing goalkeeper, completing his brace.
In the 86th minute, Messi delivered another clever pass, and De Paul found himself alone with the goalkeeper—but astonishingly failed to score.
In the Conference final, Miami will face New York City FC, who earlier defeated Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union 1–0.
Miami finished third in the regular season, NYCFC fifth. The final will be held next Saturday at Miami’s home ground.”
