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2h ago

Messi Brace, Assist Clinch Playoffs as Inter Miami Rout NYCFC 4-0

The win lifts Miami to third in the East with games in hand in the Supporters' Shield race.

Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against DC United.
Messi chips the ball over the goalkeeper to score his first goal against New York City FC.
Image
Sep 24, 2025; New York, NY, New York, NY, USA; Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets (5) slides to steal the ball from New York City FC forward Nicolas Fernandez (7) during the first half at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Lionel Messi produced two goals and an assist to reach 37 goal contributions, becoming the first MLS player to post 35-plus in consecutive seasons.
  • Messi moved into the league scoring lead with 24 goals in 23 matches and 13 assists, recording his eighth multi-goal game of the season.
  • Luis Suárez scored a penalty on his return from a three-match suspension, Baltasar Rodríguez netted the opener, and Sergio Busquets registered two assists.
  • Inter Miami improved to 16-6-7 (55 points), jumped above NYCFC and Charlotte into third, and now trails Philadelphia by five points with two games in hand after ending NYCFC’s three-match winning run.
  • Messi’s form strengthens his MVP case and, per earlier reporting, he is nearing a multi-year extension with Inter Miami that has not been finalized publicly.