The match took place at high speed from the first minutes, when Cincinnati proactively stepped up their attack. However, Inter Miami quickly adjusted the tempo with the ability to control the ball and organize tight play.
The visitors unexpectedly opened the scoring after a exemplary combination when Messi passed the ball to Mateo Silvetti's right wing, before head-to-head the Celentano goalkeeper.
The goal helped Inter Miami regain control of the game. Messi almost doubled the gap with a close-range finish but the ball went wide of the post, and the first half ended with a score of 1-0.
In the second half, Inter Miami continued to maintain the initiative. In the 58th minute, Messi retreated deep to receive the ball and then made an opening pass to Silvetti's one-touch shot, raising the score to 2-0.
Just a few minutes later, the Argentine striker made another impression with a delicate pass that eliminated all of Cincinnati's defense, helping Tadeo Allende face off and score the 3rd goal.
In the 75th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick with a delicate clever plow, continuing to put Allende in a favorable position to seal a 4-0 victory.
This result took Inter Miami to the Eastern Conference finals, where they were waiting to meet the winner of the match between New York City and Philadelphia Union. With 1 goal and 3 assists, Messi set a new milestone in the MLS play-off round, continuing to affirm his position as the number one star of the tournament.
