Inter Miami visited FC Cincinnati for the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals at TQL Stadium, with a spot in the final on the line. After a perfect cross from Mateo Silvetti, Lionel Messi scored the opening goal with a brilliant header to give the Herons the lead.
Trying to build out from the back, Jordi Alba intercepted the ball in midfield and sparked Inter Miami’s lethal counterattack. The Spaniard found Messi centrally, and the captain quickly switched play to Silvetti on the left wing.
The 19-year-old delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and with Messi charging in like a spear, the Argentine star redirected a powerful header into the net in the 19th minute. With that, the legend put Inter Miami in front, reviving hopes of reaching his first conference final.
*Developing story…
