Lionel Messi shone in the Eastern Conference semifinal, contributing to all four goals that Inter Miami scored against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium in Ohio.

It was a historic match in which the The Florida team qualified for its first conference final, putting on a masterclass in football orchestrated by manager Javier Mascherano. Mascherano opted for the young Rosario native Mateo Silvetti instead of the veteran Luis Suarez, who was available after serving his suspension—perhaps one of his toughest decisions as a coach. Silvetti, 19, wasn't even born when Messi debuted for Barcelona in 2004. The gamble paid off handsomely. In the 19th minute, after Jordi Alba stole the ball in midfield, Lionel Messi passed it out wide to Silvetti, the Rosario connection, who returned the favor with a cross into the box that Messi headed past Roman Celentano. It was Messi's sixth goal in the MLS playoffs and his 35th in the league. The Argentine star was involved in all of Inter Miami's goals in Cincinnati, providing the assists for the other three. Messi nearly scored a second goal minutes later when he found himself one-on-one with Celentano thanks to a masterful assist from Sergio Busquets, but his shot across goal went just wide of the post. Both teams had chances in the first half, although the clearest fell to Inter Miami, who displayed their best form: very organized and dangerous in attack. They also gave their all defensively until the final whistle, despite the comfortable scoreline. Cincinnati failed to address their weaknesses before halftime, starting the second half aimlessly, with Evander virtually invisible and playing at a slower pace than Inter Miami, who quickly extended their lead. In the 57th minute, a move initiated by Tadeo Allende down the right flank found Messi, who then set up Silvetti. The young striker finished first time, crossing the ball beyond Celentano's reach.

Cincinnati hadn't recovered from the blow when, five minutes in and practically defending in their own area, Messi stole the ball from Evander and galloped forward, delivering a through ball to Allende, who was left alone in front of the goalkeeper and beat him with ease.

Inter Miami's fourth goal was a carbon copy of the third: a through ball from Messi to Allende, who only had to finish past Celentano.

The Cincinnati defense will have nightmares about Silvetti and Allende running down the wings, while Messi directed the game like a true conductor.

Leo, with his goal and three assists, earned the MVP award for the match.

Inter Miami now awaits its opponent in the Eastern Conference Final, which will be decided in the match between Philadelphia Union and New York City, to be played this Sunday night. The Eastern Conference Final will be played next weekend.