Messi's Magic Propels Inter Miami to MLS Playoffs While Seizing Golden Boot Crown
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a commanding 4–0 victory against New York City FC on Wednesday evening, securing the Herons' place in the MLS Cup Playoffs while propelling the 38-year-old to the summit of the Golden Boot leaderboard.
Batlasar Rodriguez found the net just before the break, then the ex-FC Barcelona partnership of Luis Suárez and Messi struck in the second period to clinch all three points.
Suárez converted from twelve yards after making his comeback to the starting eleven for the first time following the 2025 Leagues Cup final defeat to Seattle Sounders, having served a three-match ban for the spitting controversy that erupted after the game.
Meanwhile, Messi's double in the 74th and 86th minutes elevated him to the top of the MLS Golden Boot competition with 24 goals and 12 assists this campaign, overtaking in-form LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, who has found the back of the net seven times in his previous three outings.
The victory propels Miami to third position in the Eastern Conference and second in points per match, as they persist in their pursuit of a top-four finish, which would secure home field advantage in the best-of-three opening round of the playoffs.
MLS Golden Boot Standings
Player | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|
Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | 24 |
Denis Bouanga | LAFC | 22 |
Sam Surridge | Nashville SC | 21 |
Evander | FC Cincinnati | 17 |
Alonso Martínez | NYCFC | 17 |
Inter Miami Chasing Supporters Shield Defense
In the Supporters' Shield standings, Miami occupy fifth place and second in points-per-match.
Before Javier Mascherano's squad can reach that objective, they must maintain their pursuit of defending their Supporters' Shield through the remaining five regular-season fixtures, concluding on Decision Day on Oct. 18 versus Nashville SC.
Upon reaching the playoffs, Miami will aim for improved results compared to 2024, when they suffered elimination against ninth-seeded Atlanta United in the opening round, representing the biggest shock in MLS playoff history.
If they progress beyond the initial round, each subsequent stage, including the MLS Cup final, becomes a single-elimination match, held at the higher seed's venue.
The Herons return to action on Saturday when they travel north to face already-eliminated Toronto FC.