Messi’s Quiet Masterclass Pushes Inter Miami to Historic MLS Final

Inter Miami Storms to First MLS Cup Final

Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, booked their first MLS Cup final with a 5-1 destruction of New York City FC on Saturday. Argentine forward Tadeo Allende claimed a hat-trick, joined by Mattéo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia as Miami sealed the berth at their Fort Lauderdale home.

Messi, aged 38, did not find the net but delivered a sublime assist for Silvetti's goal, effectively ending NYC's hopes of a comeback.

Finalists Set: Vancouver’s Western Triumph

Miami will host Vancouver Whitecaps, who boast German star Thomas Müller, in the final next Saturday. Vancouver advanced by beating San Diego 3-1 in California to claim the Western Conference title.

Miami had already shown resilience with a commanding 4-0 win over Cincinnati in the previous round, bolstering confidence for the title decider. Allende opened the scoring by breaking the offside trap, then headed home his second to double the advantage.

NYCFC pulled one back through a Justin Haak header, and the Argentine Julián Fernández tested Rocco Ríos Novo with a powerful strike that the keeper saved. A swift counter saw Messi thread a magical pass to Silvetti for a precise finish, making it 3-1.

Segovia added a fourth before Allende completed his hat-trick with a late strike, triggering wild celebrations. Miami now sit one step from completing a sensational turnaround after a season that once looked to be unraveling.

As for Vancouver, who crushed Miami 5-1 in last spring’s semifinals, they showed they were ready to face the star-studded Florida side after a spirited display against San Diego. Vancouver took the lead early through Brian White, and an own goal by Pablo Sisniega extended the cushion before halftime, with White adding a second to make it 3-0. Lozano pulled one back for San Diego from long range, but Vancouver remained the sharper side, and Sisniega was sent off after fouling Ryan Gold, sealing the result.

Finals preview mode: Messi and company aim to cap a remarkable season with MLS glory in Fort Lauderdale.

Punchline time: Messi’s passes are so precise that even the GPS says, “You’re on your own, I’ve got dinner to cook.”

Punchline time 2: Allende’s hat-trick was so clean the ball filed a police report for excessive beauty.