WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi scored one goal and provided three assists as Inter Miami advanced to the MLS Eastern Conference final with a 4-0 rout of FC Cincinnati on Sunday.

Miami will face New York City next weekend, with the winner earning a place in the MLS Cup decider.

Messi now has 43 goals and 23 assists across all competitions in 46 games for Inter Miami this season.

"It's an honor and a privilege not only to manage Leo but this group of players," Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano told a post-match news conference.

"We know what Leo is capable of; he proves it every weekend. Today, he did another incredible job off the ball, because we already know what he's capable of with it."

Mascherano said Miami deserved to be among the last four teams in the title race as it bids for its first MLS crown.

"I'm proud of how the team played on a very difficult pitch against a very difficult opponent," the former Argentina captain said. "The players showed incredible character and played a practically perfect match."

Messi put the Florida outfit ahead by heading in from close range after Mateo Silvetti's cross from the left.

World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi then returned the favor by laying off a pass for Silvetti, who opened up his body and side-footed a first-time shot into the far corner.

Tadeo Allende made it 3-0 just after the hour with a clinical finish on the counterattack after Messi's through ball.

Allende, who is on loan from Celta Vigo, again combined with Messi in the 74th minute before bumping off a challenge and slotting a low shot past goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

Cincinnati had five shots on target but rarely threatened after halftime as Inter Miami pulled away with authority. ■