Almost a year after their disappointing early playoff exit, Inter Miami made a triumphant return to form with a commanding 4-0 win over Nashville SC, securing a place in the MLS knockout round for the first time in club history.
Star striker Luis Suarez missed the decisive Game 3 due to a red card suspension, forcing him to watch from a suite at Chase Stadium. Despite his absence, Miami showed complete control from start to finish, determined not to repeat last year's heartbreak.
Lionel Messi and Tadeo Allende each netted two goals, sealing an emphatic victory that sent Inter Miami into the Eastern Conference semifinal, where they will face FC Cincinnati on the road on either November 22 or 23.
Coach Javier Mascherano rallied his players to turn their Game 2 frustration into energy and precision on the field. His strategy paid off, with Miami playing one of their most cohesive matches of the season.
“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.”
After the final whistle, the team celebrated their historic win both on the pitch and in the locker room, where music and joy filled the air long into the night.
Author’s summary: Messi and Allende’s doubles propelled Inter Miami to a milestone MLS playoff win, showcasing Mascherano’s effective leadership and the team’s renewed determination.