Inter Miami beat NYCFC to secure MLS Cup playoff berth
Inter Miami sealed an MLS Cup play-off place with a 2-0 home victory over New York City FC on Wednesday, moving into second place in the Eastern Conference.
Match and standings board
| Item | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami v NYCFC | 2-0 | Miami confirmed their postseason berth |
| Eastern Conference position | 2nd, 52 points | After 29 MLS matches |
| Lionel Messi | 23 goals, 14 assists | League-leading scoring return |
| Next fixture | Saturday | Inter Miami away to Atlanta United |
Germán Berterame broke the deadlock after ending a scoring wait that had lasted since late May. Luis Suárez supplied the decisive ball and Berterame finished from close range past NYCFC goalkeeper Matthew Freese.
Rodrigo De Paul then produced the standout moment before half-time. The Argentina midfielder combined with Messi just outside the area before driving an effort into the top corner.
NYCFC were offered a route back late on when awarded a penalty, but Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair denied the spot-kick to secure the clean sheet.
The result was a second league win for Kily González since the Argentine coach assumed control in mid-September. González said play-off qualification met one of the club’s original targets, but insisted his side must continue progressing.
“Getting into the playoffs was one of the objectives and we have achieved it, but the team has to keep getting better,” González said. “When players commit to the idea you are working on, it becomes much easier. We identify the errors, work on them in training, and that helps us deliver clear messages.”
Miami are chasing conference leaders Nashville SC as they attempt to retain the MLS Cup won against Vancouver Whitecaps in 2025. Their recent form includes a 4-0 victory over DC United before Wednesday’s win.
Messi remains central to that push after a demanding year in which he led Argentina to a second straight World Cup final before announcing his international retirement. He is now focused on club success in Florida.
González said Messi benefits from the protection and affection within the squad, adding that the forward demands more from everyone around him every day.
Inter Miami travel to Atlanta United on Saturday, knowing another positive result would strengthen their pursuit of Nashville and the top seed. NYCFC, meanwhile, are below the play-off line and face LAFC at home this weekend in a crucial fixture for their own postseason hopes.
