Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass, scoring twice and setting up a goal as Inter Miami CF thrashed New York City FC 4-0 at Citi Field to book their place in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The victory ensures Miami reach the postseason for the third consecutive year.
Messi’s brilliance was complemented by strikes from midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez and forward Luis Suárez, sealing a commanding win on the road.
With only five games remaining in the regular season, last year's Supporters' Shield winners occupy third place in the Eastern Conference table on 55 points (16 wins, 6 defeats, 7 draws). They are well placed to secure home benefit for their Round One Best-of-3 series as they seek a first-ever MLS Cup title.
The club has already qualified for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup after qualifying for the final of the Leagues Cup 2025 this summer. Previously, Miami also made history by qualifying for the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup earlier in the year.
Messi, on the other hand, is further building his argument to be the first player to win MLS MVP in consecutive seasons. The Argentine legend sits top of the league with 37 goal contributions (24 goals, 13 assists) in 23 games, and is still well in the running for the Audi Golden Boot.
His 37 contributions in 2025 (24g/13a) are the first by any player in MLS history to record at least 35 in back-to-back seasons. Wednesday's game was also his league-leading eighth multi-goal performance of the season, placing him into a third-place tie on the all-time single-season contributions list with Josef Martinez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He is just behind Carlos Vela's record of 49, with five games remaining.
Inter Miami will look to push their winning streak to four when they travel to Toronto FC on Saturday at BMO Field for another vital Eastern Conference game.
Read also| Real Madrid Keep Perfect La Liga Record with Win Over Levante
Read also| Messi to Lead Argentina Against Australia in Kochi This November
