In a thrilling encounter at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami delivered a stunning performance, defeating Nashville SC with a convincing 4-0 scoreline in the MLS quarter-finals.
Under the guidance of coach Javier Mascherano, Miami demonstrated clear dominance throughout the match, with standout contributions from Tadeo Allende and Lionel Messi, both netting two goals each. Allende scored in the 72nd and 75th minutes of the second half, while Messi found the net earlier at the 9th and 38th minutes of the first half.
The opening goal came thanks to a brilliant play initiated by Messi, who received a pass from Allende and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area into the bottom left corner in just the ninth minute.
Messi was undoubtedly the man of the match, contributing not only with two goals but also completing 28 key passes and attempting three shots on goal.
Allende also proved to be a vital player for the team, as he achieved two goals himself, along with 11 accurate passes and two shots on goal.
One memorable moment occurred in the 19th minute when Messi skillfully nutmegged his marker, showcasing his incredible dribbling skills.
Mascherano opted for a 4-5-1 formation, fielding Rocco Ríos Novo as goalkeeper, supported by defenders Ian Fray, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcón, and Jordi Alba. The midfield was composed of Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, and Baltasar Rodríguez, with Mateo Silvetti leading the attack.
Nashville SC, managed by B. J. Callaghan, adopted a 4-4-2 formation, with Joseph Willis in goal, and a defensive line made up of Andy Nájar, Walker Zimmerman, Jack Maher, and Josh Bauer. The midfield featured Patrick Yazbek, Edvard Tagseth, Matthew Corcoran, and Alex Muyl, while Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge spearheaded the attack.
The game was officiated by referee Rosendo Mendoza.
Substitutions for Inter Miami
59’ 2T – Baltasar Rodríguez – Telasco Segovia
74’ 2T – Mateo Silvetti – Yannick Bright, Alex Muyl – Teal Bunbury
90’ 2T – Tadeo Allende – Tomás Avilés
Yellow Cards for Inter Miami:
34’ 1T – Baltasar Rodríguez (Unsporting Behavior), 42’ 1T – Rodrigo De Paul (Unsporting Behavior), 23’ 2T – Mateo Silvetti (Unsporting Behavior), 31’ 2T – Lionel Messi (Unsporting Behavior)
Substitutions for Nashville SC
45’ 2T – Matthew Corcoran – Jacob Shaffelburg, Patrick Yazbek – Gastón Brugman, Josh Bauer – Daniel Lovitz
82’ 2T – Sam Surridge – Tyler Boyd
Yellow Cards for Nashville SC:
45’ 1T – Walker Zimmerman (Unsporting Behavior), 21’ 2T – Jack Maher (Unsporting Behavior), 33’ 2T – Teal Bunbury (Unsporting Behavior), 34’ 2T – Daniel Lovitz (Unsporting Behavior)