Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano was "grateful" for his players as they thrashed Nashville SC 4-0 to secure their place in the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time.

Lionel Messi starred for Miami as he scored after just 10 minutes, then adding another with six minutes of the first half remaining.

Despite their healthy lead, Mascherano's side went hunting for more goals after the break, and got their rewards as veteran Jordi Alba assisted Tadeo Allende for the third.

Allende then scored again after being set up by Messi.

This extended Miami's MLS scoring streak to 11 matches, and Mascherano believed his side delivered on the game plan to perfection. 

"I'm very grateful for these players," he told reporters.

"[They] understood to perfection what we were playing for today: The importance of being able to put the club in a place it had never been before.

"They did a very, very good job."

Miami suffered a shock playoff exit at this stage last season, and defender Noah Allen was desperate to right the wrongs of that defeat.

"There was no option to lose. I’ve carried that pain of last year,” said Allen.

"I know there’s a lot of new guys, but the players that were here last year definitely carried it.

"We’re a team of high exceptions. We’re not a team that’s a first-round exit."

This result means veterans Sergio Busquets and Alba are set to at least play one more match, with both already outlining their intention to retire at the end of Miami's season.

Alba was delighted that his side produced a performance that helped to extend his trophy-laden career.

"Today was a bit different," Alba said in a post-match interview with Apple TV. 

"It could’ve been the last game, that was a possibility. Thank God, we were able to win well. The team played very well today. And so, there’s another game."

Miami will take on FC Cincinnati for a place in the Eastern Conference final.