Inter Miami vs New York City — Messi Leads Rout at Citi Field
Lionel Messi starred as Inter Miami CF earned a convincing 4-0 victory over New York City FC at Citi Field, with two second-half strikes and an assist that helped seal Miami’s place in the 2025 MLS playoffs. The result left no doubt: Messi’s recent hot streak continued, bringing him to five goals in the last nine days and making him one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.
Head coach Javier Mascherano stressed that clinching a playoff spot was a major milestone. But only the first objective for a team aiming to challenge for the Supporters’ Shield. “We are happy and with the tranquility of having achieved the first goal, which was to qualify for the playoffs,” Mascherano said. “Now we’ll try to finish as high as possible in the standings. Which would allow us to have home-field advantage.”
Match Flow and Key Moments in Inter Miami vs New York City
Inter Miami started with Óscar Ustari in goal and a back four of Ian Fray, Noah, Maximiliano Falcón and Jordi Alba. Mateo Silvetti, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets and Baltasar Rodríguez formed the midfield, while Messi and Luis Suárez led the attack. Academy product Allen reached 100 appearances for the club, becoming the sixth player in Inter Miami history to reach that milestone.
- 21st minute: Ustari made a strong save to deny Thiago Martins’ header, keeping the match scoreless.
- 39th minute: Messi nearly opened the scoring with a free kick that forced a diving save at the right post.
- 43rd minute — 1-0: Baltasar Rodríguez finished after a move that began with Busquets finding Messi at the halfway line; Messi’s pass set up Rodríguez, who slotted home his second goal of the regular season. Messi’s involvement took his assist tally to 13 this campaign, while Busquets collected another secondary assist.
- 74th minute — 2-0: Messi chipped the goalkeeper after another precise pass from Busquets, bringing his league tally to 23 goals and furthering his lead in the Golden Boot race.
- 83rd minute — 3-0: Suárez converted a penalty for his seventh goal of the regular season after Inter Miami earned the spot kick. Messi opted to let Suárez take the penalty, a decision Mascherano praised as an example of team spirit.
- 86th minute — 4-0: Messi completed his brace with a solo effort. Finishing to the far post after weaving into the box — his 24th goal of the regular season.
The 0-4 scoreline stood to the final whistle, clinching Miami’s spot in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs and extending the club’s run to a third straight postseason appearance.
Messi’s Form and Club Context
Messi’s performance saw him record two goals and an assist, giving him 37 goal contributions for the season. He became the fourth player in MLS history to notch eight multi-goal games in a single season. Having scored two-or-more goals in eight of his last 12 league appearances. That streak has been central to Inter Miami’s surge up the Eastern Conference table.
Inter Miami now sit third in the Eastern Conference with 55 points from 29 games, holding two matches in hand and trailing leaders Philadelphia Union by two games. Mascherano noted the team’s tight schedule — two games in hand and less than 72 hours before the next match — but emphasized recovery and preparation for the next challenge.
Team Notes, Stats and Standouts from Inter Miami vs New York City
- Lineup notes: Silvetti made his first start since signing for the club last month. Allen reached 100 club appearances.
- Scorers: Baltasar Rodríguez, Luis Suárez, and two from Messi.
- Possession: NYC 50.2% — MIA 49.8%
- Shots: NYC 9 — MIA 12
- Saves: NYC 4 — MIA 2
- Corners: NYC 4 — MIA 5
- Fouls: NYC 22 — MIA 9
Mascherano highlighted Messi’s selflessness after the match. Praising the captain for looking out for teammates who needed goals. “He has done that too many times in his career,” Mascherano said. Noting Messi’s decision to allow Suárez the penalty as an example of his team-first mindset.
What’s Next: Inter Miami Schedule and Targets
Inter Miami will finish the week on the road again, facing Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. ET. With two games in hand and five regular-season matches remaining, Mascherano mapped out a clear objective: rest, recover and push for as many wins as possible to secure the highest playoff seeding and keep the Supporters’ Shield in reach.
“We know how difficult Saturday will be because we have less than 72 hours to play. But we’ll try to play our best and win the game and to qualify as high as possible,” Mascherano said. “If we can win the five remaining games that we have, it will be great. And we’ll have that chance to fight for the Supporters’ Shield.”
Inter Miami’s dominant road performance at Citi Field. And Messi’s continued scoring spree — reinforced the club’s status as a title contender as the regular season winds down.
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