Inter Miami crushed FC Cincinnati 4–0 at TQL Stadium. Messi struck first, Síviletti added another, and Allende sealed the night with a brace.
Match Overview
Inter Miami delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, hammering FC Cincinnati 4–0 at TQL Stadium in the MLS semifinal stage.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, Mateo Síviletti doubled the lead, and Tadeo Allende finished the job with a clinical brace in the second half.
Cincinnati came into the match with confidence and strong home form, but their defensive structure collapsed the moment Miami found rhythm in the final third.
Key Moments
19’ — 0–1
Messi receives the ball inside the box, turns, and fires a clean finish past the goalkeeper.
57’ — 0–2
Síviletti attacks the left channel and slots a low shot across goal to double the advantage.
62’ — 0–3
Allende punishes Cincinnati’s defensive mistake, tapping in from close range.
74’ — 0–4
Allende scores again after a quick combination in midfield, sealing Miami’s dominance.
Miami didn’t chase possession — they controlled the pace and punished every defensive lapse.
Match Statistics
FC Cincinnati
- Shots: 15
- Shots on target: 5
- Possession: 49%
- Passes: 434
- Pass accuracy: 92%
- Fouls: 8
- Corners: 4
Inter Miami
- Shots: 18
- Shots on target: 9
- Possession: 51%
- Passes: 468
- Pass accuracy: 92%
- Fouls: 11
- Corners: 2
Both teams maintained almost identical passing accuracy, but Miami’s finishing edge (9 shots on target vs 5) was the decisive difference.
Why Cincinnati Fell Apart
1. Space Between Midfield and Defense
Miami repeatedly attacked the gap behind Cincinnati’s midfield line.
Once Messi received the ball in zone 14, the backline was forced to collapse.
2. Failure to Isolate Messi
Messi was allowed too many touches near the box.
Even with just one goal, he drew attention, pulled defenders out of shape, and set the tempo.
3. Inefficient Final Third
Cincinnati created volume, not danger.
Despite 15 shots, few came from high-percentage locations.
Man of the Match: Tadeo Allende
Messi set the tone, but Allende decided the game:
- Two goals in 12 minutes
- Smart positioning inside the box
- Efficient one-touch finishing
His impact turned a comfortable lead into an outright demolition.
Lessons for Cincinnati
- You cannot defend Miami in a single layer — either deep block or high press alone won’t work.
- They lacked a midfield shield to disrupt Messi’s lanes.
- They couldn’t apply sustained pressure, even when trailing.
Miami played the scoreboard, not the possession game.
Conclusion
Inter Miami arrived in Ohio with a point to prove and left with a statement.
At TQL Stadium — historically a hostile venue for Messi — Miami dismantled Cincinnati 4–0 with cold precision.
Do you think this performance marks a turning point for Miami’s MLS campaign?
