Inter Miami CF has made history by qualifying for the MLS Cup for the first time after an impressive 5-1 win against New York City FC on Saturday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Following the victory, team captain Lionel Messi lifted the Eastern Conference trophy, while co-owner Jorge Mas emphasized their focus on the upcoming challenge against the Vancouver Whitecaps next Saturday. “This trophy is dedicated to you, Miami and our fans, ‘La Familia.’ It was an outstanding effort from everyone, but it’s only one step—there’s one more to win,” said Mas.
Inter Miami will host the MLS Cup, having finished higher in the overall standings than the Whitecaps. Miami ended the regular season in third place in the Eastern Division with 65 points, while Vancouver secured its first Western Conference title with a 3-1 victory over San Diego FC, finishing with 63 points.
Coach Javier Mascherano expressed his excitement about reaching this pivotal moment in the season, noting the dual nature of the tournament comprising both the regular season and playoffs. “Today’s achievement as conference champions is significant in our club’s history, but the ultimate goal is still ahead,” he stated.
Tadeo Allende played a critical role in the conference final, netting two of his three goals within the first 23 minutes. Although New York City FC fought back with a goal from Justin Haak just before halftime, Inter Miami’s defense and goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo effectively stifled the visitors’ resurgence.
In the second half, Matteo Silvetti, who joined the team in August, extended Inter Miami’s lead to 3-1 with an assist from Messi, while Telasco Segovia scored shortly after entering the match to boost the score further.
Allende, a 26-year-old Argentine on loan from Celta de Vigo, was named Player of the Match, having scored a total of eight goals in the playoffs, including three matches with multiple goals that led Inter Miami to the finals.
Previously, Inter Miami had been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 2020, 2022, and 2024, but they overcame that barrier this year by defeating Nashville SC and FC Cincinnati in the playoff rounds. Notable attendees at the match included tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and members of the U.S. women’s national team.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
As soccer fans, this moment is significant not only for Inter Miami’s history but also for the growth of MLS as a competitive league. The excitement generated by such achievements brings more attention to soccer in the U.S., potentially leading to increased support and investment in the sport.
