Lionel Messi sets playoff record with historic performance in FC Cincinnati rout | OneFootball

By MLSsoccer staff

Lionel Messi's masterful Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign is one for the history books.

Inter Miami CF's legendary No. 10 set a new league record on Sunday, reaching 12 goal contributions (6g/6a) in a single postseason with a 1g/3a performance for the Herons in their 4-0 Eastern Conference Semifinal rout of FC Cincinnati.

Messi was once again the man of the moment, building on his brilliant Round One display against Nashville SC (5g/3a) by opening the score at TQL Stadium with a bouncing header past goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

Then came a second half hat-trick of assists which pushed Messi into unprecedented playoff production.

Player of the Match: Lionel Messi | Eastern Conference Semifinal

Messi's magical 2025

It's already been a historic 2025 for Messi, who won the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi thanks to 29g/19a during the regular season.

Add in his playoff numbers and the GOAT has totaled 59 goal contributions this year between regular season and playoff games – a new league record.

Messi, who made his second straight MLS Best XI, is also poised to become the first-ever back-to-back MLS Landon Donovan MLS MVP.

WATCH: Miami masterclass! Lionel Messi guides Herons to FC Cincinnati rout

MLS Cup chase

However, for Messi & Co., the ultimate goal remains MLS Cup presented by Audi.

After reaching the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, the Leagues Cup final and earning a historic knockout stage berth at the FIFA Club World Cup, the Herons are eyeing their first-ever Philip F. Anschutz Trophy at year's end.

Should they defeat New York City FC in Saturday's Eastern Conference Final, they'd host the Western Conference champion on Dec. 6 at Chase Stadium.