The Herons cruised into the next round of the competition with their legendary stars leading the charge.

Now, that's what you call taking care of business. It was a picture-perfect definition of how you kill off a two-legged tie early. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez did it plenty of times together in Spain and, on Wednesday, it was Nashville SC that was put to the sword by the ex-Barcelona stars.

Heading into Wednesday night's CONCACAF Champions Cup second leg, Miami held a slight advantage. A 2-2 draw in Nashville gave them that away goals kicker, but they wouldn't need it. Messi, Suarez and Robert Taylor got all the goals Miami needed, as they smashed Nashville 3-1 in South Florida to book their spot in the next round.

Suarez went first as he was teed up by Messi for a goal in the game's opening moments. Messi then got a goal of his own just 15 minutes later, putting the game all but out of reach. By the time Taylor made it three in the second half, having come on in the 50th as Messi's replacement, Miami were cruising into the next phase.

It was a standout performance from the Herons, who rode their experienced stars to a huge knockout round win. This was how you set the tone, and this was how you move one step closer to competing for another big trophy.

However, news of Messi's removal arrived an hour or so after the game, with Tata Martino sharing that the Argentine picked up a leg injury that now has him doubtful ahead of the weekend. Of course, Miami will celebrate advancing, but news surrounding their superstar surely dampens the mood.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…

USA Today Sports Goalkeeper & Defence

Drake Callender (6/10):

Had to make just a few stops. Much more comfortable than against CF Montreal although still not at his best.

Jordi Alba (6/10):

Solid, but not spectacular. However, after Sunday's stunning goal, he earned a pass.

Nicolas Freire (8/10):

Rock solid. The best performance of his young Inter Miami career. If this is the Freire they have going forward, this defense may just survive.

Serhiy Kryvtsov (6/10):

A good day for the Ukraine international. Did well to keep Nashville at bay and was subbed off for a deserved rest.

Tomas Aviles (7/10):

His best game so far, too. Avoided the disastrous mistakes that he's tended to make so far.

Julian Gressel (7/10):

Did well at that right-wingback spot. Was active in the attack and was responsible for a few solid sequences defensively, too.

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Diego Gomez (8/10):

A fantastic assist on Messi's goal to headline what was a really solid performance. He's really made that midfield spot his own so far this season.

Sergio Busquets (7/10):

Was slightly outshone by the two younger stars next to him, but he did his thing, for sure. Passing was good and he had a few impressive moments.

Federico Redondo (7/10):

Definitely his best game so far. Continues to add energy and, more importantly, attitude to the Miami midfield.

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Lionel Messi (9/10):

Got in, got the goals and got out. Only played 50 minutes, but surely made his mark with a fantastic goal and a lovely assist for his long-time strike partner

Luis Suarez (8/10):

Scored the opening goal to set the tone and then assisted Taylor on the third to put the game out of reach. Another big day for the Uruguayan star.

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Robert Taylor (7/10):

Replaced Messi and the level didn't drop off. That's about as nice a thing as you can say about a player, as Taylor's goal followed up Messi's to put the game out of reach.

Noah Allen (6/10):

Provided some fresh legs late to get Kryvtsov some rest.

Leonardo Campana (N/A):

Given just a few minutes to get Suarez out of the game.

Tata Martino (7/10):

Got everything right tactically, but questions remain regarding rotation. Could he have gotten Suarez and Busquets out of there?