Lionel Messi continued his impactful run in the tournament, scoring two crucial goals as Inter Miami secured a resounding 4-0 victory over New York City FC. This decisive win clinched their spot in the highly anticipated MLS playoffs.
The comprehensive triumph marks a significant milestone for Inter Miami, a club co-owned by football legend David Beckham. Under Beckham’s leadership and with Messi now spearheading their attack, the team has successfully punched its ticket to the MLS postseason. Beyond Messi’s impressive brace, teammates Luis Suarez and Baltasar Rodriguez each contributed a goal, rounding off a commanding performance at Citi Field.
Following the victory, Inter Miami’s head coach praised the team’s performance, emphasizing that they had achieved an important objective. “We truly savor the tranquility of having reached our first goal, which was to cross into the playoff qualifying rounds,” the Argentine coach stated. “Now, we must strive to finish as high as possible in the league standings, as that will give us the opportunity to host a playoff match in our territory.”
Messi’s two-goal performance also etched his name into the MLS record books, making him only the fourth player in the league’s history to record two or more goals in eight matches within a single season.
With their playoff spot secured, Inter Miami will next face Toronto FC on September 27. The club, featuring the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is also setting its sights on future challenges, including a potential bid for the Supporters’ Shield in 2025.
Inter Miami currently holds third place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, boasting 55 points from 29 matches. They are just two games behind the top-ranked Philadelphia Union.
