Lionel Messi and Inter Miami didn’t just punch their ticket into the MLS Cup Playoffs in New York on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
They made an emphatic statement about how far they could go in the postseason while reminding fans how much longer this squad filled with former FC Barcelona teammates may have together in Major League Soccer.
Messi scored two goals in the second half (74’ and 86’) and assisted Baltasar Rodríguez before halftime (43’), while Luis Suarez scored a penalty goal as Inter Miami beat New York City FC 4-0 at Citi Field.
Inter Miami moved into third place with 55 points, behind Philadelphia (60 points) and FC Cincinnati in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, following the victory, while clinching a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
“I’m happy with the victory, and with how we played. It was a good night for us, and above all, it shows us the way forward,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the victory.
Inter Miami has five regular-season matches remaining, and could still vie for the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the second straight season. They’re five points behind Philadelphia for the league lead in points.
Still, the expectation will be for Messi’s side to contend for their first MLS Cup title. In the meantime, the old Inter Miami stars are ensuring they have some fun along the way.
Messi put on a masterclass Wednesday, scoring twice with an assist in his second straight match. He became the fourth player in MLS history to record eight multi-goal games in a season, scoring at least twice in eight of his last 12 matches.
“For me, he tries to show everyone the team spirit,” Mascherano said of Messi, whose scores brought fans in Citi Field to their feet.
Messi retook the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with 24 goals, breaking a tie with LAFC star Denis Bouanga. Messi leads MLS with 37 goal contributions as he became the first player in league history to record at least 35 of them in consecutive seasons.
Sergio Busquets delivered the hockey assist to Messi on the first goal of the match by Rodriguez (43’), then delivered the through ball to Messi to double the lead. Busquets could reportedly retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season.
“Obviously, Busi is playing. I don’t know how long he will play, but for me, he was one of the best midfielders in history. I went to Barcelona to learn from him,” Mascherano said of Busquets.
“It’s normal for me when I watch him giving these kinds of passes because during his long career, he did it too many times. Hopefully, he’s going to help us the rest of the season. Hopefully, he’s going help us in the playoffs. For us, he’s a key player.”
Suarez looked refreshed in his return from a three-match MLS suspension after his Leagues Cup spitting incident, as Messi allowed him to take the penalty kick.
Messi’s World Cup champion teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, drew the penalty scored by Suarez.
“We know that strikers always need goals, and even though he scored from the penalty spot, it’s important for him,” Mascherano said of Suarez.
It was the first Inter Miami clean sheet for goalkeeper Oscar Ustari since a scoreless draw in the Club World Cup opener against Egyptian side Al Ahly on June 14.
Inter Miami will travel to Canada after the match, and play against Toronto on Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Inter Miami vs. NYCFC highlights
Inter Miami 4, NYC 0: Messi scores brace
Inter Miami 3, NYC 0: Luis Suarez scores penalty kick
Inter Miami 2, NYC 0: Messi scores goal
Inter Miami 1, NYC 0: Baltazar Rodriguez scores goal in 43’
Messi delivered a through ball to Baltazar Rodriguez, who scored in the 43rd minute as Inter Miami takes 1-0 lead.
NYC 0, Inter Miami 0: Messi free kick deflected by Matt Freese
Messi’s free kick tailed away while Matt Freese was still able to get a palm on it in the 38th minute. Messi’s kick was strong and on target before trailing off.
NYC 0, Inter Miami 0: NYC’s Nicolás Fernández misses prime opportunity
NYC 0, Inter Miami 0: Messi fires early shot
Lionel Messi lined up his shot from distance, but it was deflected in the 12th minute.
Messi in Inter Miami starting lineup vs. NYCFC
Is Messi playing tonight?
Messi has traveled to New York and is expected to play, coach Javier Mascherano said before Tuesday’s training session. Messi’s playing status for the NYCFC match will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before kickoff on Wednesday.
How to watch New York City FC vs. Inter Miami live stream?
The match will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Watch MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
When is New York City FC vs. Inter Miami match?
The match will be on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina).
Where is the New York City FC vs. Inter Miami match?
The match will be played at Citi Field in Queens, NY – home of the New York Mets.
Will Inter Miami clinch MLS Cup playoff spot?
Inter Miami will clinch a spot into the MLS Cup playoffs with a win or draw against New York City FC.
What to know about Inter Miami and NYCFC
Inter Miami will play two matches on the road this week, with six matches to play until the end of the 2025 regular season.
Inter Miami is fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 52 points from 28 matches this season, but has three matches in hand to play after participating in the Club World Cup and Leagues Cup.
Luis Suarez returns from a three-game MLS suspension after spitting on a Seattle staff member after the Leagues Cup loss.
NYCFC is fourth in the East with 53 points, and has already clinched a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.
NYCFC vs. Inter Miami betting odds
Here are the betting odds for today’s match, according to BetMGM:
NYCFC: +130
Draw: +280
Inter Miami: +165
Over/under: 3.5 goals
Lionel Messi Inter Miami contract update
Messi is also nearing a contract extension with Inter Miami to keep him in MLS and the United States for at least two more seasons, USA TODAY Sports reported on Sept. 18.
Will Messi play in 2026 World Cup?
Messi has yet to declare whether he will play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. But he did offer some insight after the Argentina match earlier this month.
“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there so I’m excited and motivated to play it,” Messi said on Sept. 4.
“Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match. That’s it taking it day by day, going by how I feel. Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself,” Messi added.
“When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So, we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.”
Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami and Argentina
Sept. 27: Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami, 4:30 p.m. ET
Sept. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 4: Inter Miami vs. New England, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 10: Argentina vs. Venezuela, 8 p.m. ET (International Friendly in Miami)
Oct. 11: Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 13: Puerto Rico vs. Argentina, 7 p.m. ET (International Friendly in Chicago)
Oct. 18: Nashville vs. Inter Miami, 6 p.m. ET