Inter Miami CF secured their first-ever trip to the MLS Cup final on Saturday night, delivering a commanding 5-1 victory over New York City FC to clinch the Eastern Conference title. The win, powered by a spectacular performance from Argentine forward Tadeo Allende, brings Lionel Messi’s club one step closer to lifting the coveted Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
The Eastern Conference trophy was presented to the team by tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, who handed it to Inter Miami’s ownership before it was passed to captain Lionel Messi. While celebratory fireworks and confetti marked the achievement, the team’s eyes are clearly on the bigger prize.
Match Highlights: Allende’s Hat Trick and Messi’s Milestone
The match, played in front of a capacity crowd, saw Inter Miami dominate the scoreboard, despite NYCFC managing to halve the deficit before halftime.
- Tadeo Allende was the hero of the night, netting a playoff-record-tying hat trick with goals in the 14th, 23rd, and 89th minutes.
- The goals were facilitated by Messi’s longtime former Barcelona teammates: Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba assisted on the first two Allende goals, underscoring their influence on the field as they approach their announced retirement at the season’s end.
- Mateo Silvetti scored in the 67th minute, a goal set up by Lionel Messi. The assist was the 405th of Messi’s career for club and country, widely believed to be the highest total in soccer history.
- Telasco Segovia added a fourth in the 83rd minute off a clever backheel pass from Jordi Alba, putting the game out of reach.
The victory ensures that Inter Miami, the Eastern Conference No. 3 seed, will host the MLS Cup final on Saturday, December 6, at their home ground, Chase Stadium, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Final Showdown Set
Inter Miami will face Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final after the Whitecaps defeated San Diego 3-1 to win the Western Conference title later on Saturday night. Both clubs are seeking their first-ever MLS Cup title.
Messi’s arrival midway through the 2023 season transformed Inter Miami, turning a struggling, last-place team into a global brand that has now won the Leagues Cup (2023) and the Supporters’ Shield (2024). The Argentine World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now on the brink of delivering the club’s first MLS Cup.