Did Messi Shine Again as Inter Miami Triumphs Over NYC FC to Secure MLS Cup Playoffs?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi scored two goals and assisted another in the match.
- Inter Miami CF won 4-0 against New York City FC.
- This victory secures their spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
- Messi has a total of 37 goal contributions this season.
- Inter Miami aims for their first MLS Cup title.
New York, Sep 25 (NationPress) Lionel Messi netted two goals and provided an assist to propel Inter Miami CF to an impressive 4-0 victory against New York City FC at Citi Field, ensuring their place in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez and forward Luis Suárez contributed the additional goals for Inter Miami during this commanding performance.
With five matches left in the season, the defending Supporters' Shield champions currently sit third in the Eastern Conference with 55 points (16 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws). They are well-positioned to secure home-field advantage in the upcoming Round One Best-of-3 Series as they chase their inaugural MLS Cup title.
Miami has already guaranteed a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup after reaching the final of the Leagues Cup 2025 this summer. Additionally, they made a groundbreaking run to the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year.
Messi is making a strong case for the MLS MVP award for the second year in a row. The Argentine superstar leads the league with an impressive 37 goal contributions (24 goals and 13 assists) across 23 matches, putting him in contention for the Golden Boot presented by Audi.
His 37 goal contributions in 2025 (24 goals and 13 assists) mark him as the first player in MLS history to achieve over 35 goal contributions in consecutive seasons.
Wednesday's match marked Messi's league-leading eighth multi-goal game of the season, tying him for third all-time in MLS goal contributions in a single season alongside Josef Martinez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, trailing only Carlos Vela with 49 contributions and five matches left in the regular season.
Inter Miami aims to extend their winning streak to four games this Saturday against Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference at BMO Field.