Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami defeat New York City FC 2-0, securing a playoff berth as the team continued its push for a strong position in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Lionel Messi played a decisive role as Inter Miami defeated New York City FC 2-0 on Wednesday, securing their place in the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs and strengthening their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Argentine superstar contributed to both first-half goals, setting up Rodrigo De Paul’s strike and helping create the opportunity for German Berterame to end his scoring drought. The victory marked Inter Miami’s second consecutive win under head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez.
With five regular-season matches remaining, second-placed Miami have guaranteed at least a place in the wild-card round. The result also improved their prospects of securing home-field advantage during the postseason.
“I’m leaving happy. Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said after the match.
Messi entered the contest in impressive form after scoring twice on Saturday following his return from an emotional farewell with Argentina. Against New York City FC, he again demonstrated his influence by helping Miami establish a commanding first-half lead.
Miami opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Messi controlled the ball outside the penalty area before passing to De Paul, who sent a looping diagonal ball toward Luis Suarez near the byline. Suarez then delivered a low pass across the goalmouth, allowing Berterame to finish from close range and score his first goal since May.
The hosts doubled their advantage just before halftime through a swift counterattack. Berterame carried the ball across the halfway line before finding Messi with a slightly mishit pass.
With three defenders closing in, Messi used the outside of his left foot to release De Paul, who struck a powerful shot high into the net to make it 2-0.
Neither side scored in the second half, although Messi continued to create opportunities. He sent a curling effort over the crossbar before threatening again in the closing stages.
In the 90th minute, Messi took a short corner and laid the ball off to De Paul. The midfielder unleashed a long-range strike that forced United States goalkeeper Matt Freese into an outstanding diving save. Freese tipped the ball onto the post to prevent Miami from extending their lead.
New York City FC, who had managed just one victory in their previous 11 MLS matches, had an opportunity to score a consolation goal deep into stoppage time. However, Dayne St. Clair denied Talles Magno from the penalty spot, diving low to his right and pushing the ball around the crossbar.
The late save completed another strong defensive display by Miami, who recorded their second consecutive clean sheet after failing to keep one in their previous 10 matches.
Gonzalez praised his players for maintaining their defensive shape and limiting dangerous counterattacks, while acknowledging that their ball circulation was sometimes too slow.
With first-placed Nashville maintaining a strong position in the Eastern Conference, Miami will aim to preserve second place and carry their improving form into the postseason.
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