Messi Double Sends Inter Miami Into Playoffs

Inter Miami thrashed New York City FC 4-0 at Citi Field as Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist. Messi now has 24 goals and 13 assists (37 goal contributions) this season, becoming the first player in MLS history with 35+ goal contributions in consecutive seasons and strengthening his chase for the 2025 Golden Boot and MVP. Messi set up Baltasar Rodríguez's opener with a through ball, chipped the goalkeeper from a Sergio Busquets pass and later finished with an individual run; Luis Suárez added a penalty. The win secured Inter Miami's place in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs for a second straight season and moved them up to third in the Eastern Conference with 55 points and two games in hand. Coach Javier Mascherano said the squad will rest and prepare for upcoming fixtures.