Inter Miami 4-0 Nashville SC: Messi stars again to seal playoff progression

Lionel Messi took centre stage as Inter Miami hammered Nashville SC 4-0 to book their place in the next round of the MLS playoffs.

For the first time in club history, Miami, who were without the suspended Luis Suarez, will feature in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, and they had star man Messi to thank on Saturday.

Messi netted twice in the first half before playing a part in both of Tadeo Allende's second-half goals at Chase Stadium, as Miami won the best-of-three series 2-1.

The Argentine opened the scoring in the 10th minute, driving forward from deep before drilling a finish into the bottom-right corner.

Mateo Silvetti then teed up Messi's second before half-time, before the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner combined with Jordi Alba to set up a close-range finish for Allende in the 73rd minute.

Allende added further gloss three minutes later, deftly chipping Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis after racing onto Messi's throughball, with Miami now set to take on FC Cincinnati in the next round.

Data Debrief: Nashville fall to Messi again 

Messi has now scored 15 goals across all competitions against Nashville, which is eight more than he has managed against any other MLS club.

Nashville are one of 18 clubs that Messi has plundered at least 15 goals against across his career.

Messi was the driving force for Miami, leading the Herons for shots (four), shots on target (three), final third entries (11) and chances created (three).

While Nashville matched Miami for shots (11), the hosts' 2.12 expected goals to the visitors' 0.48 shows a gulf in class when it comes to the quality of the opportunities created.