Messi's Inter Miami advances to MLS Cup final with 5-1 win over NYCFC in East final

Inter Miami booked a place in the MLS Cup final for the first time in the club’s history as Lionel Messi inspired a 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final on Saturday.

Tadeo Allande stole the show with a stunning hat trick, scoring in the 17th, 23rd and 89th minutes, with the first two goals assisted by Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who are set to retire at the end of the season. Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia added the other goals for Miami.

Messi set up Silvetti's 67th-minute strike, recording the 405th assist of his career for club and country — believed to be the highest assist tally in football history.

Inter Miami, the No. 3 seed in the East, will host the MLS Cup final on December 6 against either San Diego or Vancouver. This marks a dramatic turnaround for the club, which had never advanced beyond the first postseason round in its first five seasons.

NYCFC’s lone goal came from Justin Haak in the 37th minute.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 when the club was mired at the bottom of the MLS table, has since helped transform its global profile. With a new stadium set to open next season and the Argentine star signed through 2028, Miami now stands just one win away from its first league title.

Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and members of the U.S. women’s national team were among those in attendance, as Messi once again proved to be the main attraction on and off the field.