Sports Desk:

Inter Miami stormed into their first-ever MLS Eastern Conference Final with a commanding 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Sunday, led by a dazzling display from Lionel Messi and a trio of Argentine scorers across three generations.

Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a trademark header from a cross by 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti. He then turned provider in the second half, setting up Silvetti to double the lead with a composed finish. Inspired by the duo, 26-year-old Tadeo Allende struck twice in quick succession, both goals crafted by Messi’s sublime through-balls, securing a resounding win for Javier Mascherano’s side. Allende’s pace and power proved too much for the Cincinnati defence, while Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made crucial early saves to keep the hosts at bay.

Miami continued to threaten late in the match, though Rodrigo De Paul squandered a golden chance from another clever Messi pass.

Messi, on course for back-to-back MLS Most Valuable Player awards after scoring 29 goals and providing 19 assists in the regular season, has now added six goals and six assists in the playoffs, setting a new MLS playoff record with 12 goal contributions.

Inter Miami, who finished the regular season in third place, will host fifth-seeded New York City FC in Saturday’s Eastern Conference Final. NYCFC advanced with a 1-0 win over Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union.