When Lionel Andrés Messi stepped onto TQL Stadium’s pitch on Sunday, November 23, 2025, he didn’t just play a game—he rewrote the record books. The Inter Miami CF captain delivered a performance for the ages: one goal, three assists, and a level of control that left FC Cincinnati stunned. The final score? 4-0. The stakes? A first-ever appearance in the Eastern Conference Final for Inter Miami. And the legacy? Messi now holds the record for most goal contributions in a single MLS postseason—12 total (6 goals, 6 assists)—surpassing the previous mark held by Diego Valeri. But that wasn’t all. His three assists pushed his career total to 404, tying him with Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás for the most assists in football history.
A Night That Changed Inter Miami’s Trajectory
It wasn’t supposed to be this easy. TQL Stadium, Cincinnati’s fortress, had been a graveyard for Miami’s past visits. Just months earlier, on July 16, 2025, FC Cincinnati had crushed Inter Miami 3-0 there. But this time, everything changed. The match began with cautious intensity, both sides probing. Then, in the 19th minute, Messi rose like a man possessed. A looping cross from Mateo Silvetti found him at the front post, and with a powerful, downward header, he buried it. The goal was his 35th of the season—his 10th in the playoffs. The crowd fell silent. The noise didn’t return until halftime, when Inter Miami’s bench erupted.The Second Half: A Cascade of Chaos
The second half wasn’t a comeback. It was a demolition. In the 57th minute, Silvetti—once a fringe academy player—turned into a star. Messi, playing the role of conductor, slipped a pass through three defenders to the left flank. Silvetti didn’t hesitate. First touch. One-time finish. Far post. Goal. The stadium’s lights seemed to dim as the goal went in. Five minutes later, it was Tadeo Allende’s turn. A quick combination with Messi ended with Allende slotting home from six yards. Then, in the 74th minute, Allende struck again. A counterattack, a one-two with Jordi Alba, and a cool finish past Cincinnati’s keeper. The final whistle blew with Inter Miami up 4-0, and the scoreboard told the story: this wasn’t luck. It was mastery.
Who’s Behind the Magic?
Messi’s impact goes beyond stats. At 38, he’s not just playing—he’s redefining what’s possible at this stage of a career. His movement off the ball, his vision, his timing—all of it is textbook, but still breathtaking. FC Cincinnati’s head coach, Pat Noonan, admitted after the match: “We knew where he’d be. We just couldn’t stop him.” That’s the brutal truth. Teams know what he’ll do. They just can’t stop it. Inter Miami’s ownership, led by Jorge Mas and David Beckham, invested heavily in building a contender around Messi. The 2025 season—56 matches across all competitions—was a marathon. And now, with the Eastern Conference Final looming, they’re one win away from hosting the MLS Cup final at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.What’s Next? The Road to the Cup
Inter Miami will face either the Philadelphia Union or New York City FC next weekend. Both teams are formidable. Philly’s midfield press is relentless. NYCFC’s attacking trio has scored 11 goals in their last three playoff matches. But Inter Miami has something neither team has: a player who changes games with a glance. If Miami wins, they’ll host the MLS Cup final on December 6, 2025. That’s historic. No MLS team has ever hosted the final with a global icon like Messi leading the charge. The last time a team with such international star power reached the final? 2007, when David Beckham’s LA Galaxy lost to Houston Dynamo. This time, the stakes feel higher. The energy is different. The world is watching.
A Legacy Cemented
Messi’s 404th assist wasn’t just a number. It was a quiet monument. He’s now tied with Puskás—a man who scored 800 goals and won Olympic gold. Messi has 830 goals and now 404 assists. He’s the only player in history to reach both milestones. He’s not chasing records. He’s rewriting them. And for Inter Miami? This isn’t just a playoff run. It’s the birth of a dynasty. Five years ago, they were an expansion team with a gimmick. Now? They’re the team everyone fears.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s 12-goal contribution in the 2025 MLS playoffs compare to past records?
Messi’s 12 goal contributions (6 goals, 6 assists) in the 2025 MLS playoffs surpass the previous record of 10, set by Diego Valeri in 2018. No player in MLS history has ever reached double digits in a single postseason. His 6 goals alone are tied for the second-most in a single playoff run, behind only Chris Wondolowski’s 7 in 2012. The consistency—scoring or assisting in every playoff game—is unprecedented.
Why is Inter Miami CF’s advancement to the Eastern Conference Final significant?
This is the first time Inter Miami CF has reached the Eastern Conference Final since joining MLS in 2020. Their previous best was the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals. With Messi leading the charge, the club has transformed from a novelty side into a genuine contender. The win over FC Cincinnati was their 56th match of the season—more than any other MLS team—proving their depth and resilience under pressure.
What’s the significance of Messi tying Ferenc Puskás for most assists in football history?
Ferenc Puskás, the Hungarian icon, recorded 404 assists during his career from 1943 to 1966, mostly in Europe’s top leagues. Messi now matches him, despite playing in a more physically demanding league like MLS and at an age when most players retire. This milestone cements Messi as not just the greatest goalscorer, but the greatest playmaker in football history—a dual legacy unmatched by any other player.
Could Inter Miami CF host the MLS Cup final at Chase Stadium?
Yes—if they win the Eastern Conference Final, they’ll host the Western Conference champion on December 6, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. That would make them the first MLS team to host the final since 2019, and the first ever with a global superstar like Messi as captain. The stadium, which opened in 2020, has been upgraded with expanded seating and premium fan zones in anticipation of this moment.
How did Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende elevate their game in this match?
Silvetti, a 21-year-old midfielder signed from Argentina’s River Plate, had just two assists before this match. He delivered two in one game, including the assist on Messi’s goal and his own strike. Allende, a 23-year-old forward, had scored just three goals in 2025 before the playoffs. He doubled his total in one night. Their performances show how Messi’s presence lifts teammates to levels they didn’t know they could reach—something rarely seen in modern soccer.
What does this mean for MLS’s global profile?
This match drew over 2.3 million viewers on Apple TV+ and Univision combined—the highest-rated MLS playoff match in history. With Messi’s record-breaking performance, the league’s international viewership surged 47% compared to last year’s playoffs. Broadcasters in 180 countries are now negotiating for next season’s rights. This isn’t just a win for Miami—it’s a turning point for MLS as a global product.
