Lionel Messi scores double as Inter Miami makes MLS playoff history

Miami was without forward Luis Suarez, who served a one-game suspension for violent conduct during last week’s loss to Nashville – a decision that head coach Javier Mascherano called “very strange.”

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, put Miami on track after just 10 minutes, firing a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box.

He doubled the advantage six minutes before half-time when he pushed away Mateo Silvetti’s unselfish ball after the 19-year-old latched on to a long pass from Jordi Alba.

Nashville scored a goal before Allende scored a third on Alba’s incisive cut in the 73rd minute.

Allende was on the scoresheet again three minutes later, audaciously undermining goalkeeper Joe Willis on a through ball from Messi.

It was a resounding victory for the hosts, which means Miami is now just three wins away from an MLS Cup title.

Messi is also the big favorite to win what would be his second MLS MVP title. If that happens, he would become the first back-to-back winner in league history.

Inter Miami will face FC Cincinnati in a single-elimination match on November 22 or 23, after which the MLS Cup playoffs will take a break for the international window.