With two goals and two assists, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to victory against Nashville (4-0) on Saturday and qualification for the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference of the North American Soccer League (MLS).

The Argentinian opened the scoring in the 10th minute and then doubled the score in the 39th. In the second half, he provided two assists to his compatriot Tadeo Allende (73rd, 76th).

"I want to congratulate Leo on his game," said Miami coach Javier Mascherano. "He led the way for us. To see him press like he did at 38 years old is crazy. We all know what he's capable of with the ball, but what he did without the ball today was very impressive."

With this victory, Miami qualified (2-1) for the second round of the play-offs, the conference semi-finals, and will face FC Cincinnati, who eliminated Columbus.

For the past two seasons, Miami had been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

MLS playoff bracket:

First round of the playoffs (best of three games):

Eastern Conference

Philadelphia (1) wins the series 2-0 against Chicago (8)

New York (5) wins the series 2-1 against Charlotte (4)

Miami (3) wins the series 2-1 against Nashville (6)

Cincinnati (2) wins the series 2-1 against Columbus (7)

Conference semi-finals:

Philadelphia (1) - New York (5)

Miami (3) - Cincinnati (2)

Western Conference

San Diego (1) and Portland (8) are tied 1-1

Minnesota (4) wins the series 2-1 against Seattle (5)

Los Angeles FC (3) wins the series 2-0 against Austin (6)

Vancouver (2) wins the series 2-0 against Dallas (7)

Conference semi-finals:

Vancouver (2) - Los Angeles FC (3)

San Diego (1) or Portland (8) - Minnesota (4)