On November 30, 2025, Inter Miami hosted New York City FC in the MLS Eastern Conference Final.
In the end, Miami secured a dominant 5–1 victory, clinching the Eastern Conference championship and advancing to the MLS Cup Final for the first time in the club’s history.
Miami Starts Strong With Aggressive Attacking Play
Inter Miami showed clear attacking intent right from the opening minutes. In the 14th minute, Sergio Busquets delivered a precise long pass from deep.
Tadeo Allende sprinted forward, broke through the defensive line, and fired a powerful shot from a tight angle to give Miami a 1–0 lead.
Just nine minutes later, another former Barcelona star contributed decisively. Jordi Alba whipped in a pinpoint 45-degree cross from the left flank, and Tadeo Allende rose high to head the ball into the net, completing his brace and extending Miami’s lead to 2–0.
New York City Attempt to Fight Back
In the 37th minute, NYCFC narrowed the score through Hack’s header from a set-piece delivery, making it 1–2. However, Inter Miami remained in complete control and showed no signs of panic.
Messi Delivers Again, Achieving New Personal Milestones
In the 67th minute of the second half, Lionel Messi played a perfectly weighted diagonal pass at the edge of the penalty area. Silvestre latched onto it and found the net, extending the lead to 3–1.
The 38-year-old Messi has been in superb form throughout the playoffs, recording six goals and five assists in just five matches.
This game also marked his eighth consecutive appearance for Inter Miami, in which he directly contributed to a goal. This stretch includes 11 goals and 10 assists, underscoring his role as the team’s central engine.
With the assist from this match, Messi’s career tally has reached 405 assists, further widening the gap between him and other players in football history.
Tadeo Allende Completes His Hat-Trick
In the closing stages of the match, Miami firmly tightened its grip on the game. In the 83rd minute, Segovia played a smooth one-two with a teammate before finishing with a low shot, making it 4–1.
In the 89th minute, Brecht set up Tadeo Allende, who converted a one-on-one chance to complete his personal hat-trick.
Miami Seals the Victory and Marches Into the MLS Cup Final
Inter Miami ultimately defeated NYCFC 5–1 to advance confidently into the MLS Cup Final. They will face the winner between San Diego and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the championship match.
Messi is now just one step away from claiming the first MLS championship title of his illustrious career. This emphatic victory has significantly boosted Miami’s morale, and the team now looks forward to creating even more history in the final.
