How the 4-0 Victory Unfolded
The pressure was on for Game 3 of this first-round series, but it took Messi only 10 minutes to erase any nerves. He picked up a deflected ball, drove toward the top of the box, and, in signature fashion, curled a perfect left-footed shot into the bottom right corner. The stadium erupted, and Miami was off and running.
He wasn’t done. In the 39th minute, Messi showed his predatory instincts, starting a play that ended with teammate Mateo Silvetti finding him for an easy tap-in. Just like that, it was 2-0 before halftime, and Messi had his brace.
The Main Event: A Historic 400th Assist
After the break, Inter Miami kept its foot on the gas. Tadeo Allende added a third goal in the 73rd minute (assisted by Jordi Alba), but the historic moment arrived just three minutes later.
In the 76th minute, Messi picked up the ball in midfield, saw Allende making a run, and threaded a precise, perfectly weighted through ball into his path. Allende finished with a sublime chip over the keeper to make it 4-0, but all eyes were on the creator. The assist was number 400 in Lionel Messi’s professional career for club and country—a staggering number that no other active player on the planet comes close to.
Messi’s Milestone by the Numbers
It’s hard to even comprehend the numbers Messi continues to put up. This performance was a perfect summary of who he is as a player: not just a goalscorer, but the ultimate creator. This latest milestone is just one of many he’s chasing.
- 400 Career Assists: The most of any active player.
- 894 Career Goals: He is steadily marching toward the 900-goal mark.
- All-Time Assist Record: He is now just four assists shy of matching Ferenc Puskás’ all-time record of 404.
- Playoff Dominance: Messi finished the 3-game series against Nashville with an incredible 5 goals and 3 assists.
What This Means for Inter Miami
Beyond the personal records, this win is monumental for the club. For the first time in its history, Inter Miami is heading to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This victory wasn’t just a win; it was a dominant performance that signals they are serious contenders for the MLS Cup.
Next up, they will face a very tough FC Cincinnati team in what is sure to be an epic single-elimination showdown. But with Messi playing at this level, Inter Miami has to feel confident against anyone.
A Legacy That Grows Every Week
We are watching greatness, plain and simple. Every week, Lionel Messi finds a new way to remind us why he’s the greatest of all time. Scoring a brace is one thing. Hitting 400 career assists is another. Doing both in a knockout playoff game to send your team to the next round? That’s just what he does.
What did you think of the performance? Is this 400th assist even more impressive than his 894 goals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!