Inter Miami advanced to their first-ever MLS Cup final on Saturday after a dominant 5–1 victory over New York City FC, with head coach Javier Mascherano praising Lionel Messi as “extraordinary” for his role in the win.
A hat-trick from Tadeo Allende and goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia powered Miami to a resounding Eastern Conference triumph at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Although Messi did not score, the 38-year-old delivered a trademark assist in the 67th minute, setting up Silvetti for Miami’s third goal — a strike that effectively ended New York’s hopes of a comeback.
Mascherano, Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona and with Argentina, said:
“Leo has accustomed us to the extraordinary. He’s someone extraordinary, someone we’ll never see again. Today perhaps we’re surprised he didn’t score, but he gave us peace of mind with the third goal — an assist that only he can see.”
Miami to Host Vancouver in MLS Cup Final
Inter Miami will play the Vancouver Whitecaps next Saturday in the MLS Cup final, also at home in Fort Lauderdale.
Vancouver secured the Western Conference title with an impressive 3–1 victory over San Diego in California, led by former Bayern Munich and Germany star Thomas Müller.
The Whitecaps also defeated Miami 5–1 on aggregate in their CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal clash earlier this year — a reminder that the final will be anything but straightforward for the Florida side.
Miami’s Ruthless Form Continues
The win over NYCFC follows Miami’s 4–0 dismantling of FC Cincinnati in the previous round. Allende, who scored twice in that match, was again the star performer:
- 14th minute: Allende opens scoring after beating the offside trap
- Second goal: A powerful header puts Miami 2–0 up
- Final minute: Completes his hat-trick to seal the win
New York briefly threatened through Justin Haak’s header in the 37th minute and nearly equalized when Julian Fernandez forced a superb save from keeper Rocco Ríos Novo in the 66th minute. Miami responded immediately with Messi’s decisive assist for Silvetti.
Segovia added Miami’s fourth in the 83rd minute before Allende wrapped up the scoring late on.
Mascherano: “The Power of a Group Is Unbreakable”
Mascherano credited the team’s unity for Miami’s late-season resurgence after a turbulent stretch earlier in the campaign:
“We strengthened as a group and reached the end of the season with a brotherhood within the team. Everyone pulls together — the power of a group is unbreakable.”
Vancouver Confident After Statement Win
The Whitecaps enter the final in strong form, with Brian White scoring twice and forcing an own goal from San Diego goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega, who was later sent off for a foul on Ryan Gauld.
Mexico international Hirving Lozano pulled one back for San Diego, but Vancouver controlled the match and look poised for a fierce showdown with Miami.
