Messi Inspires Inter Miami to MLS Playoff Spot with Win Over NYCFC
Lionel Messi was the architect again as Inter Miami beat New York City FC 2-0 on Wednesday and secured their place in the MLS playoffs. The 38-year-old Argentine set up both goals, the second a vintage outside-of-the-boot pass that carved open three defenders, as Miami guaranteed themselves at least a wild-card place with five games still to play.
The win gave Cristian Gonzalez his first back-to-back victories since taking charge last month and kept second-placed Miami within touching distance of the Eastern Conference summit, where first-place Nashville remain out of sight.
How Miami sealed the messi inter miami playoff spot
Messi had a hand in both first-half goals. In the 20th minute he trapped the ball just outside the penalty area and found Rodrigo De Paul, who floated a diagonal ball to Luis Suarez on the byline. Suarez rolled it flat across the face of goal, and German Berterame tapped home for his first goal since May.
De Paul doubled the lead with the final kick of the first half. Berterame carried the ball over the halfway line and found Messi to his right. The Argentine drew in three defenders before laying the ball off with the outside of his left foot, and De Paul slammed it high past the goalkeeper.
Miami protected their lead in a goalless second half. Messi sent one curling effort over the bar and forced a fine save from United States goalkeeper Matt Freese with a short-corner shot tipped onto the post. New York City, on a miserable run of one win in eleven MLS games, earned a late penalty, but Dayne St Clair flung himself low to his right and pushed Talles Magno’s spot kick around the post.
It was Miami’s second straight clean sheet, after none in their previous ten matches.
Gonzalez happy but demanding more
“I’m leaving happy. Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said. “I really liked how we handled dropping back into defensive shape. We didn’t get caught out on the counter and were very aggressive, breaking up plays whenever a sudden transition from them looked likely.”
The head coach also admitted the attack was not always fluent. “Perhaps our ball circulation was a bit too slow at times, but that’s just how the game played out.”
Messi had returned from last week’s emotional Argentina send-off with two goals on Saturday, and he carried that form into Wednesday’s match as the team’s back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner.
What comes next for Miami
The result consolidated Miami’s hold on second place in the Eastern Conference, which carries home-field advantage into the playoffs. With five games remaining, the club can now plan its postseason rotation while keeping pressure on Nashville, even if top spot looks beyond them.
The clean sheets may matter as much as the goals. A side that conceded in ten straight games now has consecutive shutouts, and Gonzalez’s defensive organisation will be tested by stronger opponents in the knockout rounds.
FAQ
Did Inter Miami reach the MLS playoffs?
Yes. The 2-0 win over New York City FC guaranteed Inter Miami at least a place in the MLS wild-card round, with five games of the regular season still to play.
How did Messi contribute against NYCFC?
Messi set up both goals. He started the move for German Berterame’s opener and assisted Rodrigo De Paul’s second with an outside-of-the-boot pass after drawing in three defenders.
Who scored for Inter Miami?
German Berterame opened the scoring in the 20th minute, his first goal since May, and Rodrigo De Paul added the second with the final kick of the first half.
Where do Inter Miami sit in the Eastern Conference?
Miami are second in the Eastern Conference, behind first-place Nashville, and have secured home-field advantage for the opening playoff rounds.
