Inter Miami visited New York City FC at Citi Field with a chance to secure a spot in the 2025 Major League Soccer playoffs. Already in control of the match, Lionel Messi delivered a brilliant brace with a classy chip and a composed right-footed finish.
The Herons gained the edge late in the first half, with Messi involved in the build-up. In the 43rd minute, he slipped a perfectly timed through ball into space for Baltasar Rodríguez, who calmly beat the keeper in a one-on-one to break the deadlock. Miami’s lead would later be extended by Messi himself.
In the 74th minute, with Miami dictating the pace, Sergio Busquets split the lines with a pinpoint long pass to Messi. One-on-one with goalkeeper Matthew Freese, the Argentine icon coolly lifted the ball over him to make it 2-0, all but sealing Inter Miami’s playoff spot.
Then, in the 82nd minute, Justin Haak fouled Rodrigo De Paul inside the box, leaving referee Filip Dujic no choice but to award a penalty. Messi handed the ball to Luis Suárez, who marked his return with a confident strike from the spot to put Miami up 3-0.
Just three minutes later, Messi produced one final moment of brilliance. Picking up the ball on the right, he cut inside, used Suárez’s run as a decoy, and fired a low right-footed shot to the far post, capping the night at 4-0.
*Developing story…
