Luis Suarez missed Game 3 of the Inter Miami vs. Nashville playoff series due to a red card suspension. Nearly a year after their disappointing first-round playoff exit on home turf, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates ensured history did not repeat.
Messi and Tadeo Allende each scored two goals, guiding Miami to a 4-0 victory over Nashville SC. This win marked Inter Miami's first advancement to the knockout round of the MLS playoffs in club history.
Saturday night at Chase Stadium was a crucial moment for Miami’s season and pride. Star forward Luis Suarez watched from a suite due to suspension. Nashville SC, the opponent for the fourth consecutive time, aimed to end Miami’s season just as Atlanta United had done the previous year, but Miami controlled the game throughout.
Coach Javier Mascherano encouraged the squad to channel their frustration from the prior loss into motivation. The team's celebration extended from the field to the locker room, where they enjoyed loud music long after the match ended.
“I thought the team played an almost perfect game,” Mascherano said. “We played at a very high level on all our lines. We were very intense from the first minute, very organized in the high press.”
Author's summary: Inter Miami, led by Messi and Allende’s strong performance, secured a historic 4-0 win over Nashville, advancing to the MLS playoff knockout round for the first time.