New York, NY. – Inter Miami CF secured a decisive 4-0 victory on the road against New York City FC, securing their spot in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs and marking their third consecutive postseason appearance. A standout performance from Player of the Match Lionel Messi, who scored two goals and provided one assist, contributed significantly to the team’s third straight win in the regular season. Midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez and striker Luis Suárez also scored for Inter Miami at Citi Field in New York City.
“We are pleased to have officially qualified for the playoffs, which was very important for us. Moving forward, we will continue to work hard. We are aware of the two games in hand, so our focus now is on resting, recovering, and preparing for our upcoming match against Toronto,” stated Head Coach Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami lined up with Óscar Ustari in goal; Ian Fray, Noah, Maximiliano Falcón, and Jordi Alba forming the back line; Mateo Silvetti, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, and Baltasar Rodríguez in midfield; with Messi and Suárez leading the attack.
Notably, Academy product Allen reached 100 career appearances for the club, becoming the sixth player in Inter Miami history to reach this milestone. Additionally, Silvetti made his first start since signing with the club last month.
In the 21st minute, goalkeeper Ustari made a notable save to deny Thiago Martins from close range, maintaining a scoreless tie. Messi nearly opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a free kick that was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
Haiti has qualified for the FIFA World Cup on a historic date.
Inter Miami took the lead just before halftime, with Rodríguez scoring in the 43rd minute. Busquets played a key pass to Messi at midfield, who then delivered a precise through ball to Rodríguez. The midfielder controlled and placed the ball into the bottom right corner, marking his second goal of the season. The assist brought Messi’s total to 13 for the season, while Busquets recorded his eighth assist.
In the second half, Messi extended the lead in the 74th minute with a deft chip over the goalkeeper, following a perfect pass from Busquets. This was Messi’s 23rd goal of the season, putting him in the lead for the Golden Boot award. Busquets earned his ninth assist of the season with the play.
Further extending their lead, Suárez scored from a penalty kick in the 83rd minute for his seventh goal of the season. Messi then capped his performance with a solo effort, finishing at the far post in the 86th minute. This goal was his 24th of the season, resulting in two goals and one assist for the second consecutive game. With this performance, Messi became the fourth player in MLS history to record eight multi-goal games in a single season and has scored two or more goals in eight of his last 12 league appearances.
The 4-0 result was maintained through the final whistle, securing Inter Miami’s third consecutive victory of the season and their qualification for the playoffs.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will conclude the week with an away match against Toronto FC at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Scoring Summary:
MIA – Baltasar Rodríguez (Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets) 43′, Lionel Messi (Sergio Busquets) 74′, Luis Suárez (PK) 83′, Lionel Messi (Marcelo Weigandt) 86′
Misconduct:
NYC – Andrés Perea (Yellow Card 32’), Justin Haak (Yellow Card 82’)
MIA – Mateo Silvetti (Yellow Card 18’), Jordi Alba (Yellow Card) 41’
Lineups / Substitutions:
New York City FC – GK Matt Freese; D Tayvon Gray, Justin Haak, Thiago Martins (Jonathan Shore 73’), Kevin O’Toole; M Nicolás Fernández, Maxi Moralez, Aiden O’Neill, Andrés Perea; F Hannes Wolf (Alonso Martínez 61’), Agustín Ojeda (Julián Fernández 73’)
Unused Substitutes – GK Tomás Romero; D Raul Gustavo, Mitja Ilenič, Strahinja Tanasiijević; M Máximo Carrizo; F Seymour Reid
Inter Miami CF – GK Óscar Ustari; D Ian Fray (Marcelo Weigandt 75′), Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcón, Jordi Alba (Tomas Avilés 85′); M Mateo Silvetti (Tadeo Allende 66′), Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Baltasar Rodríguez (Yannick Bright) 66′; F Lionel Messi © , Luis Suárez
Unused Substitutes – GK Rocco Ríos Novo; D Gonzalo Luján, Ryan Sailor; M Santiago Morales; F Fafa Picault
Stats:
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
Photos/InterMiamiCF
