Inter Miami booked its place in the MLS Cup Final for the first time in the club’s history after dismantling New York City FC 5–1 in a commanding Eastern Conference final performance on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale.
The win capped another dazzling display from Lionel Messi’s side, driven by a sensational hat-trick from Argentine forward Tadeo Allende and key contributions from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia.
The victory also ensures Miami will host the championship match on December 6 at Chase Stadium, where either San Diego FC or Vancouver Whitecaps will stand between the club and its maiden MLS title.
Miami took control early, striking in the 14th minute when Allende broke the deadlock after a clever pass released him behind the defense.
The winger doubled the lead shortly after with a perfectly timed header, capitalising on the space created by Miami’s relentless pressure.
New York City briefly revived its hopes through Justin Haak’s 37th-minute header, trimming the margin to 2–1 before the break.
The visitors pressed for an equaliser in the second half, but Miami’s response was ruthless.
A swift attacking sequence in the 67th minute saw Messi thread a precise ball to Silvetti, who powered a low strike into the net to restore Miami’s cushion.
Segovia widened the gap with a composed finish in the 83rd minute, and Allende completed his hat-trick in the closing moments to seal the emphatic win.
Messi, who has been central to Miami’s resurgence since his arrival, registered yet another crucial assist—adding to what analysts believe is a record-setting tally of over 400 career assists across club and country.
His playmaking once again anchored Miami’s fluid attack, setting the tone for a historic night.
Inter Miami’s journey to the final highlights a remarkable transformation from a team once languishing at the bottom of the MLS standings to one now competing for the league’s most coveted prize.
Having already lifted the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield last season, the club now stands on the brink of its biggest achievement yet.
Final Score:
Inter Miami 5 – 1 New York City FC
Goals:
Miami: – Tadeo Allende (14’, 22’, 89’)
– Mateo Silvetti (67’)
– Telasco Segovia (83’)
– NYCFC: Justin Haak (37’)
Inter Miami will now turn its attention to next weekend’s MLS Cup final, where a win would mark a defining milestone in the club’s young history—and potentially add another major trophy to Messi’s illustrious career.
