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1h ago

Messi Brace Seals Inter Miami's Playoff Berth With 4-0 Rout of NYCFC

The emphatic win locks in postseason qualification for Miami, elevating Messi’s MVP and Golden Boot cases.

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.
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
Sep 24, 2025; New York, NY, New York, NY, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) scores his second goal of the match during the second half chased by New York City FC midfielder Aiden O'Neill (21) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Inter Miami clinched an MLS Cup Playoffs spot with a 4-0 victory at Citi Field, where Baltasar Rodríguez opened the scoring before the break.
  • Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist, reaching 24 league goals and 37 goal contributions, and becoming the first MLS player with 35-plus contributions in consecutive seasons.
  • The result moved Miami to third in the Eastern Conference at 16-6-7 (55 points), keeping the Supporters’ Shield race in play with games in hand.
  • Luis Suárez marked his return from a three-match suspension by converting a late penalty to make it 3-0.
  • Sergio Busquets registered two assists and goalkeeper Óscar Ustari kept a clean sheet as NYCFC’s three-game winning streak ended.