Inter Miami Battles New York City FC for Eastern Conference Crown: High-Stakes MLS Cup Final Preview with Bold Predictions and Starting XI Reveals

Inter Miami host New York City FC at Chase Stadium this Saturday evening in a crucial Eastern Conference championship clash that will decide which squad progresses to MLS Cup.

Miami enters following an impressive 4–0 victory over FC Cincinnati in their Eastern Conference semifinal encounter and reaches their inaugural Conference final. They face an NYCFC team full of confidence after eliminating the Supporters' Shield champions Philadelphia Union with a 1–0 triumph in their Eastern Conference semifinal battle.

Saturday's victor secures their place in MLS Cup on December 6 against the Western Conference champion, determined by the matchup between San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC later that same evening.

Below is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the Eastern Conference final.

What Time Does Inter Miami vs. New York City FC Kick-Off?

New York City FC vs. Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)

Most Recent Encounter: New York City FC 0–4 Inter Miami (Sept. 24, 2025)—MLS Regular Season

Recent Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Inter Miami vs. New York City FC on TV

Inter Miami Team News

Inter Miami are displaying their finest football since Lionel Messi's arrival and stand as clear favorites among the four remaining clubs in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. However, they must first overcome New York City FC to earn that distinction––and success would also bring the final showdown to their home venue.

Should Miami fail to capture MLS Cup, 2025 would mark only the second season in Messi's career without a team trophy. Additionally, there's heightened urgency in their approach with the impending retirement of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have been standout performers throughout their playoff campaign.

Supporters can anticipate a nearly identical starting eleven to the one that faced Cincinnati, with the sole potential modification being Ian Fray's return to the starting right-back position, after Marcelo Weigandt filled that role against Cincinnati due to Fray's minor injury while on Jamaica duty.

These playoffs have witnessed notable development in Javier Mascherano's managerial abilities. While the decision to bench a struggling and static Luis Suárez was initially forced by suspension, he maintained faith in 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti as the striker in the previous match, and it proved successful.

Expect Messi to shoulder significant responsibility once more and build upon his six goals and six assists across four playoff appearances. He should continue operating between the lines, primarily seeking out Silvetti and Tadeo Allende.

Regarding injuries, Miami will only be without David Ruiz and Ryan Sailor.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. NYCFC (4-3-3): Ríos Novo; Fray, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen, Alba; De Paul, Busquets, Baltasar Rodriguez, Allende, Messi, Silvetti

New York City FC Team News

New York City FC would possess significantly better prospects in this encounter if they could rely on top scorer Alonso Martinez. Regrettably for Pascal Jansen's squad, their key striker sustained a campaign-ending injury during World Cup qualifying duty with Costa Rica.

This leaves NYCFC with limited attacking options. In the semifinal, 38-year-old Maxi Moralez delivered the decisive goal, though he hasn't maintained his previous consistency as he approaches the end of his career.

For victory to be achieved, either summer acquisition Nicolas Fernández or Hannes Wolff will likely need to find the net. Fernández must collaborate effectively with Moralez in attack, while Wolff may need to adopt a more aggressive approach to showcase the qualities that earned him 11 regular-season goals in 33 appearances.

Beyond these three players, attacking prospects become bleak. This emphasizes the critical importance of defensive solidity. Perhaps NYCFC can manage two goals while conceding just one, though a clean sheet appears unlikely against a Miami team scoring at unprecedented rates.

Following a five-save display against Philadelphia, expect U.S. men's national team goalkeeper Matt Freese to face numerous challenges throughout the contest, likely including several difficult scoring opportunities.

Formation-wise, anticipate minimal changes from the Philadelphia encounter, except for midfielder Aidan O'Neill's return after completing his suspension.

Injury-wise, they remain without Martinez, Keaton Parks, Malachi Jones, and Andrés Perea.

New York City FC Predicted Lineup

New York City FC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-4-2): Freese; Gray, Martins, Haak, Raul; Ojeda, O'Neill, O'Toole, Wolf; Fernández Mercau, Moralez

Inter Miami vs. New York City FC Score Prediction

Inter Miami cannot dominate New York City FC in the same manner they did against Nashville SC and FC Cincinnati, but they possess excessive talent performing at peak levels currently. Simultaneously, it's difficult to envision where NYCFC will generate sufficient goals, and there's minimal possibility, even with Freese, of maintaining a clean sheet.

Expect additional goal contributions from Messi in his exceptional form as Alba and Busquets aim toward hosting MLS Cup in their final appearance.

Score Prediction: Inter Miami 3–1 New York City FC