On a night destined for history, Lionel Messi delivered a performance for the ages. In the decisive Game 3 of Round One of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs 2025, his side Inter Miami CF dismantled Nashville SC 4-0 to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The Argentine maestro scored a brace and recorded the assist that took his career total to 400, no active player has more! The Argentine genius is only behind Puskás, who has 404 career assists. Reports confirm this milestone.
Match Highlights: Below is our Instagram carousel featuring Messi’s unforgettable brace and 400th career assist during Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over Nashville SC in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Swipe left to watch:
Let’s break down the match, the milestone, and what it means for Messi and Inter Miami.
Context: What Game was This?
- This was Game 3 of a best-of‐three series in Round One of the Eastern Conference of the MLS Cup Playoffs 2025.
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Inter Miami’s home ground).
- Date: 8 November 2025.
- Series: Inter Miami faced Nashville SC, having previously won Game 1 (3-1) and lost Game 2 (2-1). The 4-0 win sealed the series 2-1 in favour of Miami.
- Significance: It marked Inter Miami’s first ever advancement past the first round of the MLS playoffs in club history.
The Match Breakdown
First Half
- Messi opened the scoring in only the 10th minute: slaloming through the defence and finishing from the top of the 18-yard box to make it 1-0.
- He doubled his own tally and the team’s lead in the 39th minute: a long ball from Jordi Alba found Mateo Silvetti, who cut inside and laid the ball back for Messi to finish into an open net.
Second Half
- In the 73rd minute, the third goal arrived. Alba and Messi combined down the left flank; Alba found the pass, Messi laid it off and Tadeo Allende tapped in to make it 3-0.
- Four minutes later (76′), Allende again, this time finishing a sublime chip over the keeper after a through-ball from Messi — and that assist was reported as Messi’s 400th career assist.
- The game then finished 4-0, the defence held firm, and Inter Miami sealed the series victory.
Stats Snapshot
- Shots: Miami 9, Nashville 11.
- Possession: Miami ~48.2%, Nashville ~51.8%.
- The key thing: although Nashville had slightly more possession/shots, Miami converted early and decisively, and used Messi’s brilliance to settle the game.
The Milestone: 400 Career Assists
One of the biggest storylines of the night: the assist for Allende’s second goal reportedly brought Messi’s total career assists (club + country) to 400, making it a historic threshold.
Key points:
- The match report on Inter Miami’s official site states: “Additionally, the assist … marked the 400th for Messi throughout his career.”
- It reinforces Messi’s legacy as not only a prolific goalscorer but also one of the greatest creators in football history. Wikipedia even summarises: “Messi … provided over 400 assists for club and country—the most of any player.”
Why This Win Matters for Inter Miami
- Breaking new ground: As mentioned, this is Miami’s first time advancing past Round One of the playoffs. A milestone for the club and its fanbase.
- Momentum: With Messi in this form, the team looks genuinely dangerous heading into the next stage.
- Confidence boost: A decisive 4-0 win sends a message to the rest of the league.
- Record-making night: Having your star perform at a peak and mark a historic milestone elevates the club’s profile globally.
What’s Next
- Inter Miami will now face FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Semifinals (single-elimination).
- For Messi: Having hit 400 assists and delivered yet another standout performance, the narrative around his MLS impact only grows.
- For Nashville: A sharp loss means a tough review and necessary regrouping ahead of their next season campaign.
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