MLS playoffs: Messi assist helps Inter Miami reach semifinals
Gonzalo Higuain scored the lone goal as Inter Miami advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 3-0 aggregate victory over FC Cincinnati.
Lionel Messi's assist helped Inter Miami reach the MLS playoffs semifinals on Sunday. The Argentine superstar set up Gonzalo Higuain for the only goal of the game in the 55th minute, as Inter Miami advanced with a 3-0 aggregate victory over FC Cincinnati.
Inter Miami will now face the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The first leg will be played in Philadelphia on October 20, and the second leg will be played in Miami on October 23.
Messi's impact
Messi has been a major force for Inter Miami since joining the club in the summer. The Argentine has scored six goals and provided five assists in 10 MLS appearances.
Messi's impact was evident in Sunday's game. The Argentine played a key role in Inter Miami's opening goal, as he dribbled past several Cincinnati defenders before setting up Higuain for a simple finish.
Messi also had a number of other chances to score, but he was denied by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano on several occasions.
Higuain's goal
Higuain's goal was his first since joining Inter Miami in July. The Argentine striker has struggled to find his best form since moving to the MLS, but he showed his class with a clinical finish on Sunday.
Higuain's goal was also a testament to the quality of Messi's assist. The Argentine superstar played a perfect pass into the path of Higuain, who made no mistake with his finish.
Inter Miami's defense
Inter Miami's defense was also impressive on Sunday. The team kept Cincinnati at bay for most of the game, and goalkeeper Nick Marsman made a number of key saves.
Inter Miami's defense has been one of the team's strengths all season. The team has conceded just 12 goals in 10 MLS games.
Conclusion
Inter Miami's victory over FC Cincinnati was a major step forward for the club. The team is now just two wins away from reaching the MLS Cup Final.
Messi has been a major force for Inter Miami, and he will be key to the team's chances of success in the playoffs.
