Messi Stunned as Inter Miami Suffers Shocking Upset Against New York City FC

Inter Miami has reached the MLS Cup final for the first time in franchise history following a commanding 5–1 victory over New York City FC at Chase Stadium on Saturday evening. 

The third-seeded Herons dominated proceedings in front of their supporters, and this triumph grants them home-field advantage for the championship match on December 6, when they'll host Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a decisive title clash. 

Tadeo Allende netted a hat-trick for the Herons, extending his playoff tally to eight goals, overtaking Lionel Messi for the 2025 lead and matching Carlos Ruiz's 2002 LA Galaxy record for most goals in a single postseason campaign.

Telasco Segovia and Mateo Silvetti contributed the remaining goals, while Justin Haak found the net for NYCFC's solitary response.

Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive match analysis. 

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. New York City FC (4-3-3)

*Ratings Courtesy of FotMob*

GK: Rocco Ríos Novo—7.2: Ríos Novo was kept busy throughout the evening, registering three crucial saves. His finest moment arrived in the second period when he denied Julián Fernández's powerful effort destined for the top corner.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—6.6: Given the nod ahead of Ian Fray as the Jamaican continues his injury recovery, the Argentine maintained composure on the flank before Miami's offensive explosion following his substitution.

CB: Maximiliano Falcón—7.0: Falcón maintained his excellent playoff form, completing two tackles and anchoring Miami's defensive structure with authority.

CB: Noah Allen—6.6: The Greek youth international endured difficulties and was eventually replaced by Fray, enabling Jordi Alba to shift into the right center-back role.

LB: Jordi Alba—7.3: With retirement approaching, Alba delivered another exceptional display featuring two assists, despite relocating to partner Falcón in central defense during the final thirty minutes.

RM: Rodrigo De Paul—7.7: The Argentine midfielder may lack flair, but he contributed significantly with two tackles and an impressive 96% pass completion rate.

CM: Sergio Busquets —7.0: While Busquets didn't receive official credit for Allende's opener, his midfield orchestration proved vital throughout what could be the penultimate match of his legendary career.

LM: Baltasar Rodríguez—6.1: Across 72 minutes, Rodríguez failed to impose himself on proceedings. Following two lackluster showings, might Javier Mascherano consider changes for the MLS Cup final?

RW: Tadeo Allende—9.7: After netting 11 regular-season goals, Allende now boasts eight playoff strikes, arguably establishing himself as Miami's premier attacking threat behind Lionel Messi. He also equaled the single-postseason scoring record.

ST: Lionel Messi—8.0: Though relatively subdued, Messi still registered an assist, extending his tally to 13 goal contributions across five playoff appearances for Inter Miami.

LW: Mateo Silvetti—7.5: Silvetti's attacking dynamism and defensive work rate have elevated Miami's potential, with his Saturday finish providing further evidence. Luis Suárez may find starting opportunities increasingly scarce.

Unused substitutes: Oscar Ustari (GK), Gonzalo Lujan, Tomas Aviles, Fafa Picault, Allen Obando.

New York City FC (4-4-2)

Starting XI: Matt Freese; Tayvon Fray, Thiago Martins, Justin Haak, Raul; Agustin Ojeda, Kevin O'Toole, Jonathan Shore, Aidan O'Neill; Maxi Moralez, Nicolas Fernández Mercau

Substitutes used: Hannes Wolf, Julián Fernández

Player of the Match: Tadeo Allende (Inter Miami)

Inter Miami 5-1 New York City FC: Match Recap at Chase Stadium

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano examined the semifinal triumph over FC Cincinnati and sought to replicate that 4–0 success—achieving exactly that with this 5–1 victory. 

For the third consecutive match, he deployed 19-year-old Argentine forward Silvetti in the attacking trio alongside Allende and Messi, keeping Suárez benched following a disappointing campaign. 

With this consistent lineup selection from the semifinal, the Herons wasted little time establishing their attacking rhythm. 

Allende broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Sergio Busquets identified the Argentine winger from deep and delivered a precise through ball, which Allende collected while shielding off NYCFC's Raul Gustavo before beating USMNT keeper Matt Freese. 

True to their season-long approach, Miami maintained pressure after taking the lead. They engaged NYCFC in a brief altercation in the 21st minute to disrupt the visitors' momentum before launching another offensive sequence. 

Allende doubled his tally in the 23rd minute with an accurate header, timing his run perfectly to meet Jordi Alba's cross, leaving Freese helpless. 

While Miami controlled possession throughout the opening period and received solid defensive contributions from center-backs Noah Allen and Maxi Falcón, they couldn't silence NYCFC before the interval. 

In the 37th minute, NYCFC defender Justin Haak powered home a set piece from veteran Maxi Moralez, providing The Pigeons with encouragement at halftime, despite lacking a natural striker due to Alonso Martínez's injury sustained on Costa Rica duty. 

Shortly after the restart, the visitors nearly equalized when Ríos Novo and Falcón struggled with their build-up play, surrendering possession to Moralez near the penalty area, though NYCFC failed to capitalize on the unexpected opportunity. 

Pascal Jansen's team continued applying pressure and controlled the early second-half proceedings, particularly in the 65th minute when Hannes Wolf threaded a pass to Nicolas Fernández Mercau, who crossed for Julián Fernández at the far post, only for Ríos Novo to produce a spectacular diving save. 

The tide turned following Ríos Novo's heroics, as Miami regained control through Allende before Messi exploited space on the counter-attack, ultimately setting up Mateo Silvetti for the 3–1 goal that effectively sealed victory in the 66th minute. 

Miami's scoring wasn't finished. Substitute Venezuelan winger Segovia added his name to the scoresheet in the 87th minute, converting after combination play from Messi and Alba. Minutes later, Allende completed his treble in the 89th minute, equaling the MLS single-postseason goal record. 

With another stellar performance, Miami accumulated 98 goals across regular season and playoffs combined, establishing a new single-season record while securing their MLS Cup final berth. 

Beyond pursuing the club's inaugural MLS Cup next week, Busquets and Alba will seek one final trophy before their previously announced retirement. 

Inter Miami vs. New York City FC Halftime Statistics

Inter Miami vs. New York City FC Final Match Statistics