Overview
- Inter Miami routed New York City FC 5-1 in the Eastern Conference final, with Lionel Messi setting up Mateo Silvetti in the 67th minute for his 405th recorded career assist.
- Tadeo Allende delivered a hat-trick in the win and faces uncertainty beyond December as his loan from Celta Vigo expires, with Inter Miami in talks to keep him and River Plate interest reported.
- The MLS Cup final is scheduled for December 6 at Miami’s home venue against the Vancouver Whitecaps, who won the Western Conference after defeating San Diego.
- Miami previously fell to Vancouver this year, including a 5-1 aggregate loss in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, providing added context to the upcoming matchup.
- Outlets differ on Messi’s career silverware tally, with some counting the Eastern Conference title and citing a total of 47, as debate also grows over his World Cup 2026 preparation following criticism of MLS by former Argentina fitness coach Fernando Signorini.