Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami To First MLS Cup Final With 5-1 Win Over New York City FC

Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami To First MLS Cup Final With 5-1 Win Over New York City FC

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami secured their first-ever spot in the MLS Cup final on Saturday after a dominant 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

A hat-trick from Tadeo Allende, along with goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia, propelled Miami to Major League Soccer's championship game, which will take place next Saturday at their home ground in Fort Lauderdale.

Miami will face the winner of the Western Conference final, contested later on Saturday between San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps.

Messi and his teammates enter the championship game with high confidence following another impressive performance, building on their 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati in the previous round.

Allende, who had already scored twice against Cincinnati, was once again the driving force of Miami's attack. The 26-year-old Argentine forward opened the scoring in the 14th minute, skillfully outwitting New York's offside trap.

A perfectly timed pass from Sergio Busquets sent Allende racing toward the goal, where he overcame Raul Gustavo's challenge to score and make it 1-0.

Before New York had time to recover, Miami doubled their lead. Jordi Alba, the former Spanish international full-back, found space on the left wing and delivered a precise cross into the New York area. Allende expertly timed his run and headed the ball into the bottom corner, leaving New York goalkeeper Matthew Freese helpless.

New York managed to pull one back against the run of play in the 37th minute when centre-back Justin Haak headed in from Maxi Moralez's free-kick, making it 2-1 at half-time.

New York's confidence grew, and they almost equalised in the 66th minute when Nicolas Fernandez set up substitute Julian Fernandez inside the area. However, Inter goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo made a crucial save to keep Miami ahead.

Miami quickly countered, and a swift move involving Rodrigo De Paul and Alba allowed Messi to assist Silvetti, who fired home to make it 3-1 in the 67th minute.

Swipe Left For Next Video

Segovia then sealed the win with Miami's fourth goal in the 83rd minute, and Allende completed his hat-trick a minute from time, sparking wild celebrations.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Source: News18
Related Posts: Lionel Messi sparkles in Inter Miami's first-ever MLS Cup trophy Inter Miami Superstar Lionel Messi Becomes Just Second Player In MLS History To Messi scores and assists on return as Inter Miami defeat LA Galaxy in MLS clash Lionel Messi makes stunning no-look backheel assist for Luis Suarez in MLS Lionel Messi Learns MLS Punishment Verdict After Claims He Confronted Referees Lionel Messi involved in nasty spat with countryman in Inter Miami's 5-1 win Lionel Messi Out Of Inter Miami's Leagues Cup Quarters Against Tigres Due To Lionel Messi Strikes On Return From Injury To Help Inter Miami Down LA Galaxy Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami may be extended through 2026 Seattle Sounders stun Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 3-0 in Leagues Cup final