When Lionel Messi stepped onto TQL Stadium on Sunday night, November 23, 2025, he wasn’t just playing a game—he was rewriting history. The 38-year-old Argentine captain of Inter Miami CF delivered a masterclass in control, creativity, and cold-blooded finishing, scoring one goal and assisting three others in a 4-0 demolition of FC Cincinnati. The result didn’t just end Cincinnati’s season—it marked their third straight year being knocked out at home in the MLS playoffs, a cruel pattern that now defines this era of the club. And while the final whistle blew at 5:14 PM UTC, the real story was the quiet dominance of a legend who refuses to slow down.
The Rosario Connection
It wasn’t just Messi. It was Messi and Mateo Silvetti, the 22-year-old midfielder who, like his captain, hails from Rosario, Argentina. The opening goal in the 19th minute came from a simple cross, but the chemistry was anything but ordinary. Silvetti’s delivery found Messi at the far post, and with a flick of his head, the 38-year-old sent the ball past goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo—who, ironically, was playing for Inter Miami, not Cincinnati. Commentators immediately called it "the two Rosario boys combine again." The moment felt symbolic: a passing of the torch, not from one generation to another, but from one hometown hero to another, united by the same dusty streets where they first kicked a ball.
Second Half Carnage
The game changed in the 57th minute. Silvetti, now in the box with space, received a perfect through ball from Messi and slotted it low past the outstretched arms of Cincinnati’s backup keeper, Spencer Richey. Two minutes later, Tadeo Allende, the 24-year-old Argentine winger, turned on a Messi pass and fired a curler into the top corner. The stadium, once roaring with hope, fell silent. By the 74th minute, Allende had doubled his tally—another Messi-assisted finish, this time with a deft touch off a cross from Sergio Busquets, the 37-year-old Spanish veteran whose calmness under pressure made him the perfect anchor in midfield.
Busquets, who captained Spain to their 2010 World Cup win, played 88 minutes with the precision of a chess grandmaster. He didn’t score, but his positioning, his interceptions, his ability to turn and find Messi with a single touch—those were the invisible threads holding Inter Miami together. When he was finally subbed off, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Even Cincinnati fans knew they’d witnessed something rare.
What Went Wrong for FC Cincinnati?
FC Cincinnati entered the match with defensive discipline and home-field advantage. They’d beaten New England Revolution in the first round, and their fans—nearly 26,000 strong—packed TQL Stadium to its capacity. But against Inter Miami’s fluid, high-pressing system, their structure collapsed. Midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez was overwhelmed. Defender Marcelo Weigandt was pulled out of position repeatedly. And without a clinical finisher to punish Inter Miami’s occasional lapses, Cincinnati couldn’t capitalize on their few chances.
"We had moments," said head coach Pat Noonan after the match. "But when you’re facing a team with Messi, Silvetti, and Busquets, you can’t afford to give them five yards of space. We did. And they punished us."
A Record-Breaking Postseason
Messi’s four-goal contribution pushed his total for the 2025 MLS playoffs to 12—five goals and seven assists. That’s a new league record, surpassing the previous mark of 11 set by Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2019. He’s now scored in every playoff round this year, including his first-ever goal against Cincinnati after three previous scoreless meetings. His 15 goals in the regular season, plus this postseason surge, have turned Inter Miami into the most feared offensive force in MLS history.
Inter Miami’s attack, led by head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, has now scored three or more goals in nine of their last 11 games. The "Masterass from Javier Masherano"—as one commentator jokingly dubbed Martino, referencing his own playing days in Argentina—is now one win away from the MLS Cup final.
What’s Next?
Inter Miami will face either Philadelphia Union or New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final, scheduled for the weekend after November 23. The winner will meet the Western Conference champion—likely Vancouver Whitecaps FC, San Diego FC, or Minnesota United FC—in the MLS Cup final on December 6, 2025.
For Cincinnati, the offseason looms large. Three straight playoff exits at home. Three straight years of promise, then collapse. Their core—Lucas Zelarayán, Fatai Alashe, and young striker Evan Louro—will need major upgrades. Or a new philosophy.
Behind the Numbers
- Messi: 1 goal, 3 assists, 12 total goal contributions in 2025 playoffs (MLS record)
- Inter Miami: 4 goals, 0 conceded, 10 shots on target in the match
- FC Cincinnati: 3 total shots, 0 on target, 47% possession
- Tadeo Allende: First multi-goal game in MLS career
- Inter Miami: Scored 3+ goals in 9 of last 11 games
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Lionel Messi break the MLS playoff record?
Messi reached 12 total goal contributions (5 goals, 7 assists) in the 2025 MLS playoffs, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimović’s 2019 record of 11. He scored in every round, including his first goal against FC Cincinnati after three previous scoreless matches. His ability to create chances from deep and finish under pressure made him unstoppable.
Why did FC Cincinnati lose so badly at home?
Despite a sellout crowd and strong regular-season form, Cincinnati’s midfield was overrun by Inter Miami’s pace and passing. Without a true striker to convert chances, they couldn’t punish Inter Miami’s defensive gaps. The pressure from Messi and Busquets disrupted their rhythm, and their defense lacked the physicality to handle Allende and Silvetti’s runs.
What does this mean for Inter Miami’s chances in the MLS Cup?
Inter Miami is now the clear favorite. Their offense is the most lethal in league history, and their midfield—Messi, Busquets, and De Paul—can control any game. If they beat Philadelphia or NYCFC, they’ll enter the final as the team to beat. Their only weakness? Depth. With injuries piling up, one bad day could end their dream.
Is this Messi’s last chance at an MLS title?
At 38, time is running out. But Messi’s form suggests he’s not slowing down. If Inter Miami can maintain their current attacking rhythm and add one more quality defender, they’ll be serious contenders. This might be his best—and possibly last—real shot at lifting the MLS Cup before retirement.
What’s the significance of Silvetti and Messi both being from Rosario?
Rosario, Argentina, is known for producing world-class talent—Messi, Ángel Di María, and now Silvetti. Their connection isn’t just geographic; it’s cultural. They share the same training ethos, the same hunger. When they combine on the field, it feels like a piece of Argentina’s soul is playing in Miami.
How does this loss compare to Cincinnati’s past playoff exits?
In 2023, they lost 2-1 to New England at home after leading 1-0. In 2024, they were stunned 3-2 by Columbus after a late collapse. This year’s 4-0 defeat is the most humiliating—it wasn’t just a loss, it was a statement. Inter Miami didn’t just beat them; they dismantled them in front of their own fans.
