Inter Miami made history at Chase Stadium with a commanding 5-1 victory over New York City FC, clinching the Eastern Conference championship and securing their first-ever appearance in the MLS final.
Despite Lionel Messi not needing his usual dazzling performance, the team excelled with a hat-trick from Tadeo Allende, complemented by goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia.
Under the leadership of Javier Mascherano, the squad completed an almost flawless postseason, fueling hopes of adding another trophy to their rapidly growing collection.
The Night Belongs to Allende
Allende emerged as the standout player of the match. The Argentine striker opened the scoring by controlling a long pass from Sergio Busquets for the initial goal and then extended the lead with a header following a precise delivery from Jordi Alba. His two early goals set the tempo, both occurring before the 25-minute mark.
Although Justin Haak pulled one back for NYCFC at the 37-minute mark, offering them a glimmer of hope, Inter Miami maintained dominance throughout.
Messi, who endured a head knock early on and a brief tumble due to a foul, stayed on the field without major issues. While his impact wasn't felt in the opening half, he was instrumental later, setting up Silvetti with a deep pass in the 67th minute, allowing the young player to secure the 3-1 scoreline.
This assist marked Messi's 405th official assist across club and national team play, a milestone regarded as the highest recorded in soccer history.
Defensive Prowess and a Path to the Final
Telasco Segovia sealed the 4-1 lead with a stunning play, executing a one-two with Alba in the box, finishing off with a brilliant backheel from the Spanish full-back. In the 89th minute, Allende completed his hat-trick, concluding a dominant team performance with a 5-1 final score.
The team’s backbone was further solidified by goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, who made crucial saves, notably denying a potential equalizer by NYCFC at the 65-minute mark.
Inter Miami's journey to the final showcases their growth throughout the postseason. After finishing third in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, they overcame Nashville in a three-game series, winning 3-1 and 4-0 at home, despite a 2-1 defeat in Tennessee.
They then trounced Cincinnati 4-0 in the semifinals before their victory against New York City. In their last three matches, they scored 13 goals while conceding just one.
Messi's Influence and the Road Ahead
Since Messi's arrival in 2023, when the team was languishing at the bottom of the league, Inter Miami has transformed significantly, contrasting sharply with their initial five seasons where they never advanced past the first playoff round.
Winning the Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup in 2023 marked initial successes; now, they stand one match away from capturing the MLS championship. Coach Mascherano, who took over following Gerardo Martino's departure, praised the team’s camaraderie: "We've reached the final through a brotherhood that carries us forward. The strength of a group can overcome many challenges," he stated after the win.
An Unprecedented Final and a Chance for Redemption
Inter Miami will host the MLS final on December 6th, facing the Vancouver Whitecaps, who triumphed 3-1 over San Diego FC to win the Western Conference.
This will be the first time the Herons compete for the MLS title. However, the final presents a unique challenge: Vancouver defeated Miami in both official encounters earlier this season during the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, with a decisive 5-1 aggregate. The upcoming clash for the MLS title not only makes history but also offers a shot at redemption.
Messi's era at Inter Miami has extended beyond sports, with his pink jersey in demand globally and the team progressing on a new stadium project. With his contract running through 2028, Messi is a strong contender to reclaim the MLS Most Valuable Player award.
Following their Eastern Conference triumph with one of their most cohesive performances of the season, Inter Miami is on the brink of another milestone. The celebration in Florida continues, this time with their first-ever MLS final and the championship dream within reach.
Inter Miami's Historic MLS Journey
How did Inter Miami secure their spot in the MLS final?
Inter Miami clinched their spot in the MLS final by defeating New York City FC 5-1 in the Eastern Conference final, after a successful postseason run that included victories over Nashville and Cincinnati.
What impact has Lionel Messi had on Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi has significantly transformed Inter Miami since his arrival in 2023, elevating the team's performance and helping them secure multiple titles, while also boosting their global brand and fan engagement.
Who were the key players in Inter Miami's victory over NYCFC?
Tadeo Allende, with a hat-trick, and Lionel Messi, with a crucial assist, were pivotal in Inter Miami's decisive win over New York City FC, while goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo was instrumental with key saves.