Inter Miami are heading back to the MLS playoffs after Lionel Messi helped inspire a crucial 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night. Rodrigo De Paul scored from a Messi assist, while German Berterame found the net in the first half to put the reigning champions in a strong position as they continue their push for another MLS Cup.
The victory marked another important step for Miami, who have endured an eventful season filled with high expectations, managerial changes and the continued pressure that comes with defending a championship. With Messi leading the attack and experienced players delivering at key moments, the Florida club will now turn its attention towards making another deep postseason run.
For Miami supporters, the result was about more than three points. It was a reminder that the reigning champions still possess the attacking quality and experience required to compete when the stakes are at their highest.
Lionel Messi creates the breakthrough as Inter Miami secure playoff spot
Messi once again played a decisive role in Inter Miami’s success, providing the assist for De Paul, who doubled the team’s advantage just before half-time. The Argentine playmaker’s influence continues to extend beyond goals, with his vision and ability to unlock opposition defences remaining central to Miami’s attacking approach.
The victory followed Miami’s impressive 4-0 win over DC United last Saturday, when Messi and Luis Suárez both scored twice. Consecutive victories have given the team valuable momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Miami had missed the postseason during Messi’s arrival season in 2023. However, the club subsequently established itself as a regular playoff contender, reaching the postseason in the following campaigns and building on the success that transformed its ambitions.
The team lost in the first round to Atlanta United in 2024 before responding with a championship-winning campaign the following year, defeating Vancouver to secure the club’s first MLS Cup.
That achievement raised expectations considerably. Miami are no longer simply a team attracting attention because of Messi’s presence; they are a club expected to challenge for major honours.
Qualifying for the playoffs keeps those ambitions alive, although the more demanding part of the season still lies ahead.
German Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul deliver the goals
Inter Miami established control of the contest through two important first-half goals, with Berterame opening the scoring in the 20th minute.
The forward’s finish was his eighth goal of the season, adding another contribution to Miami’s attacking options. His ability to provide a scoring threat alongside established stars gives the team an additional dimension as opponents look for ways to contain Messi.
De Paul then extended Miami’s lead shortly before the interval, converting after receiving the ball from Messi. The timing of the second goal was significant because it gave the hosts a two-goal cushion heading into the break.
Against a side such as New York City FC, establishing that advantage can change the entire complexion of a match. Miami could approach the second half with greater control rather than being forced to chase another goal.
De Paul has also brought valuable familiarity to the team’s midfield, particularly through his understanding with Messi. The pair have spent years playing together for Argentina, where their partnership contributed to the national team’s success on the international stage.
That chemistry remains an asset for Miami, especially in matches where one moment of quality can decide the outcome.
The result also highlighted the importance of contributions from players beyond Messi and Suárez. While the two superstars naturally attract the headlines, a successful playoff campaign will require the entire squad to produce consistent performances.
Dayne St. Clair saves penalty to preserve clean sheet
Although Miami had established a comfortable lead, New York City FC continued to search for a way back into the contest. The visitors matched Miami’s total of 14 shots, underlining that the scoreline did not tell the entire story of the match.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair proved crucial in the closing stages. He denied Nicolás Fernández Mercau from the penalty spot in the final moments, ensuring Miami finished the night without conceding a goal.
The save secured St. Clair’s second consecutive clean sheet following the team’s 4-0 victory over DC United. His performance offered another positive sign for a side that will need defensive discipline as the competition intensifies in the playoffs.
For Miami, keeping opponents off the scoresheet could be just as important as the attacking brilliance of Messi. Knockout football often leaves little room for mistakes, and a goalkeeper capable of delivering under pressure can make a decisive difference.
New York City FC, meanwhile, were left frustrated after failing to convert their opportunities. The defeat also complicated their own pursuit of postseason qualification, making their remaining regular-season fixtures increasingly important.
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup defence gathers momentum
Inter Miami’s latest victory has secured the club’s place in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, marking its third consecutive postseason appearance and fifth overall. The reigning champions are also aiming to become the first team since LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012 to win back-to-back MLS Cup titles.
The team entered this stage of the campaign with 52 points from 29 matches, placing second in the Eastern Conference standings. With five regular-season matches remaining, Miami have an opportunity to strengthen their position before the playoffs begin.
The club has already added silverware to its collection this year, defeating Mexican side Cruz Azul to win the Campeones Cup in September. Another MLS Cup triumph would further underline the impact Messi has had since joining the franchise.
However, the postseason will bring a different level of pressure. Opponents will have more reason to focus on stopping Messi, while Miami must demonstrate that its supporting cast can consistently deliver when space becomes limited and opportunities are harder to find.
The combination of Messi’s creativity, De Paul’s midfield influence, Suárez’s experience and Berterame’s finishing gives the club several attacking options. If those players maintain their form, Miami will have legitimate reasons to believe another championship is within reach.
What comes next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami?
Inter Miami’s immediate attention now turns to an away fixture against Atlanta United on Saturday, October 17. The match offers another opportunity to build momentum before the regular season concludes.
For Messi, the coming weeks represent another chance to add to an already extraordinary career. His influence in Miami extends beyond the goals and assists he produces, with his presence helping shape the team’s ambitions and raising expectations across the club.
After a year that has included major international milestones and another emotional chapter with Argentina, the Argentine superstar has a fresh target in front of him: helping Inter Miami defend its MLS Cup crown.
The 2-0 victory over NYCFC has taken Miami one step closer to that objective, but the biggest tests are still to come.
Can Messi lead Inter Miami to back-to-back MLS Cup titles? The team’s recent performances suggest the reigning champions are building towards the playoffs with renewed confidence, although the decisive moments will come when the stakes rise.
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