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Key Points

Lionel Messi was absolutely brilliant, scoring two goals and setting up another in a commanding 4-0 victory. This huge win on the road officially secured Inter Miami's place in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Messi is now making a very strong case to win the MVP award for the second year in a row. With his incredible stats, he is also firmly in the race for the league's Golden Boot.

Key Points: Messi Brace Powers Inter Miami to MLS Playoffs Over NYCFC

  • Messi leads MLS with 37 goal contributions from 24 goals and 13 assists
  • Inter Miami clinches a playoff spot and sits third in the Eastern Conference
  • The team is on pace for home-field advantage in the first playoff round
  • Messi ties for third all-time in single-season MLS goal contributions
2 min read

Messi bags brace as Inter Miami beat New York City FC to reach MLS Cup playoffs

Lionel Messi scores twice and assists in a 4-0 win, clinching Inter Miami's playoff spot and boosting his historic MVP and Golden Boot campaign.

"Messi's 37 goal contributions in 2025 (24g/13a), making him the first player in MLS history to record 35 goal contributions in back-to-back seasons. - MLS Official"

New York, Sep 25

Lionel Messi bagged a brace and dished out an assist to lead Inter Miami CF to a dominant 4-0 win on the road over New York City FC to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, with the Club advancing to postseason for a third straight year.

Midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez and striker Luis Suárez scored Inter Miami’s other goals on the night at Citi Field in New York City.

With five matches remaining, the reigning Supporters' Shield champions are third in the Eastern Conference (55 points; 16W-6L-7D). They're on pace to secure home-field advantage in their Round One Best-of-3 Series as they pursue the club's first MLS Cup title.

Miami have already earned a 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup spot, courtesy of reaching the Leagues Cup 2025 final this summer. They also made a historic run to the FIFA Club World Cup knockout rounds earlier this year.

Messi has a strong case to become the first back-to-back MLS MVP award winner. The Argentine megastar has a league-best 37 goal contributions (24g/13a) in 23 matches, putting the Golden Boot presented by Audi in his crosshairs.

Messi's 37 goal contributions in 2025 (24g/13a), making him the first player in MLS history to record 35 goal contributions in back-to-back seasons.

Wednesday's match was Messi's league-leading eighth multi-goal game this season, which tied him for third all-time in MLS goal contributions in a season with Josef Martinez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and trails Carlos Vela (49) with five games remaining in the regular season.

Inter Miami will look to extend their winning streak to four on Saturday, when they take on Eastern Conference foe Toronto FC at BMO Field.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Staying up late to watch Messi play is totally worth it! The way he controls the game is pure magic. Hope he can win the MLS Cup this year! 🐐
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Arjun K
While Messi is amazing, I wish Indian football could reach this level someday. We need better infrastructure and coaching to produce world-class players.
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Sarah B
The timing of these matches is so difficult for Indian viewers! Wish they had more Asia-friendly kickoff times. But Messi makes it worth the lost sleep 😴⚽
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Vikram M
Messi and Suarez together is like watching old Barcelona days! Their understanding is incredible. Hope they can bring the MLS Cup to Miami!
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Michael C
Respectfully, while Messi is phenomenal, the MLS defense standards seem quite low compared to European leagues. Still, his numbers are insane!
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Ananya R
Watching Messi play is like poetry in motion! My entire family gathers to watch his matches. He's truly the GOAT! 🎯✨

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