Inter Miami stormed into the first MLS Cup final in club history with a ruthless 5–1 dismantling of New York City FC in the Eastern Conference decider at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. A Tadeo Allende hat-trick, plus goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia, powered Javier Mascherano’s side to the conference title and set up a home MLS Cup showdown next weekend.
Allende hat-trick sets the tone
The night belonged to Allende, who struck twice inside the opening 23 minutes to put Miami firmly in control before completing his hat-trick in the 89th minute. The 26‑year‑old Argentine first timed his run perfectly to beat NYCFC’s offside line, finishing after being released by a long pass from Sergio Busquets, then doubled the lead with a header from a Jordi Alba delivery. His late third not only capped the 5–1 rout but also took his tally to eight goals in these playoffs, equalling Carlos Ruiz’s single‑postseason record from 2002.
NYCFC fight back before Miami respond
New York briefly clawed their way back when centre‑back Justin Haak headed in from a set piece in the 37th minute, cutting the deficit to 2–1 before halftime. The visitors nearly found an equaliser midway through the second half, only for Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo to make a crucial save that preserved the lead and shifted momentum back to the hosts. Within moments, Miami went up the field and restored their two‑goal cushion, effectively ending NYCFC’s comeback hopes.
Messi conducts another historic night
Lionel Messi did not get on the scoresheet but again dictated the game’s rhythm and provided the assist for Silvetti’s 67th‑minute strike, a composed finish inside the box for Miami’s third goal. That pass was recorded as the 405th assist of his professional career for club and country, a figure widely regarded as the highest assist total in football history. Messi now has seven assists in this postseason alone and 26 in league play this year, underlining his central role in Miami’s attacking transformation.
Segovia finishes job as Miami make history
Substitute Telasco Segovia added the fourth in the 83rd minute, finishing a flowing move that included a clever heel pass from Alba, before Allende’s late chip over the goalkeeper sealed the emphatic 5–1 scoreline. The victory delivered Inter Miami their first Eastern Conference crown and the third trophy in club history, while pushing their combined 2025 regular‑season and playoff goal total to 98, a new single‑season MLS record. Mascherano praised the squad’s mentality after the match, stressing that while the conference title is historic, the real objective remains lifting the league’s ultimate prize.
MLS Cup final now comes to Fort Lauderdale
As the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, Miami will host MLS Cup at Chase Stadium on December 6, facing the winner of the Western Conference final between San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps. For a club that had never advanced beyond the first round of the postseason in its first five seasons, reaching the final marks a dramatic turnaround driven by Messi’s arrival and a retooled, veteran‑led core around him. With home advantage and an attack firing at historic levels, Inter Miami now stand one win away from securing their first MLS title.
