Lionel Messi is nicknamed “La Pulga” for a reason. Despite his 5-foot-7 frame, he is an explosive player who impacts the game in a variety of ways. Inter Miami fans witnessed that first-hand on Sunday when the Argentine sensation led the team to a dominant win against Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi opened the floodgates in the Herons’ 4-0 win against Cincinnati with a 19th-minute goal. Then, he assisted his teammates in scoring three goals in the second half — one to 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti near the hour mark and the other two to Tadeo Allende in the 64th and 72nd minutes.
With the win, Inter Miami now head to their first-ever Eastern Conference final, having just achieved their first series win in the MLS playoffs in their Round 1 showdown with Nashville.
Following Inter Miami’s win, Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was naturally ecstatic for her husband and the team. On her Instagram Stories, she shared Inter Miami’s post highlighting the team’s latest achievement. While she didn’t write a caption, she included fire emojis to express her delight and excitement.
In another post, Roccuzzo shared Messi’s recognition as “Icon of the Match” for his performance. Similarly, she didn’t write anything, but included emojis showing a smiling face with heart eyes.
As Messi and Inter Miami continue in their bid to make more franchise history, fans can expect Roccuzzo to keep cheering for the team and showing her support in her own ways.
Messi and company play the New York City FC next Saturday in the conference finale, with the winner of the showdown earning a ticket to the MLS Cup Final on Dec. 6.
