David Beckham Celebrates Inter Miami's Stunning MLS Cup Playoff Journey
Following Inter Miami's Eastern Conference championship victory, David Beckham expressed his immense "pride" in the Herons as they chase the franchise's inaugural MLS Cup title.
Javier Mascherano's squad delivered a commanding performance on Saturday night, crushing New York City FC 5–1 at Chase Stadium. While Lionel Messi failed to find the net for the first time during these playoffs, Tadeo Allende secured a hat trick, with Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia also contributing goals.
This dominant performance, which featured several MLS milestones for the Herons, clinched Inter Miami's place in the MLS Cup championship match. Claiming the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy was once merely an aspiration for co-owners Beckham, Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, but the franchise now stands just one victory away from making that vision reality.
"MLS Eastern Conference Champions," Beckham posted on Instagram after Saturday's triumph. "I am so proud of this group... more history made and one step closer to our dream.
"Thank you to our incredible fans for your support... you have been our 12th man all season. See you next week in Miami for the MLS Cup final."
Although seeded third, the Herons will host the MLS Cup final on Saturday, Dec. 6 versus the Vancouver Whitecaps. Since Inter Miami accumulated more regular season points than their forthcoming adversaries, they earn the advantage of playing at home for the most significant match in franchise history.
Mascherano: Inter Miami Are 'Unbreakable'
Beckham wasn't the sole Inter Miami executive praising the Herons. Mascherano also chimed in, commending his squad for their playoff performance, which he attributes to their unity as a collective.
"The credit belongs to them," Mascherano stated after the Eastern Conference championship. "I'd emphasize the past two months—they've been extraordinary. But the recognition goes to the players for believing in our destination.
"We've concluded the season with genuine brotherhood within the squad, everyone moving toward the same goal and the strength of unity is unbreakable. We're on the brink of playing the match we envisioned, at home, with our supporters."
Blocking Inter Miami's path, however, is a strong Vancouver Whitecaps team featuring Thomas Müller and Brian White. Jesper Sørensen's squad defeated top-seeded San Diego 3–1 at Snapdragon Stadium just hours following the Herons' win over NYCFC.
The Western Conference victors will enter with high spirits against Messi and company after they knocked out the Herons 5–1 on aggregate during the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals in April.