Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Inter Miami CF made history on Saturday night, storming into their first-ever MLS Cup final with a dominant 5-1 victory over New York City FC at Chase Stadium. The Herons, led by a hat trick from forward Tadeo Allende, showcased offensive firepower and defensive resilience to secure their spot in the league's championship match, set to be hosted at their home venue later this month.
The match, part of the Eastern Conference final, unfolded under the lights in front of a packed crowd at the 18,000-seat stadium. Allende, the 26-year-old Argentine loanee from Celta de Vigo, wasted no time asserting his presence. He netted the opener in the eighth minute, capitalizing on a swift counterattack, and added a second goal just 15 minutes later to put Inter Miami up 2-0 early. According to reports from the sidelines, his clinical finishing set the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
New York City FC, the defending Supporters' Shield winners from the regular season, struggled to contain Miami's relentless pressure. The visitors managed a response just before halftime, with midfielder Justin Haak finding the net in the 45th minute to pull one back and inject some hope into their comeback bid. However, Inter Miami's backline, anchored by goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, stood firm, thwarting several NYCFC advances and preserving the two-goal advantage heading into the break.
The second half belonged entirely to the home side. In the 58th minute, winger Mateo Silvetti, who had joined Inter Miami from Argentine club Independiente in August 2025, extended the lead to 3-1 with a well-taken finish assisted by none other than Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, playing a more creative role this postseason, delivered a precise pass that Silvetti converted with aplomb. Messi's influence, though not always in the spotlight, has been pivotal in Miami's playoff run, according to team insiders.
Substitutes played a crucial role in sealing the win. Telasco Segovia, entering the fray in the 70th minute, needed just 10 minutes to make his mark, rifling home Inter Miami's fourth goal to make it 4-1. Allende completed his hat trick in the 82nd minute, tapping in a rebound after a saved shot from a teammate, rounding out the scoring at 5-1. The Argentine's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he became the first player in MLS playoff history to record three multi-goal games in a single postseason.
Allende's heroics earned him the man-of-the-match honors, a fitting recognition for his eight goals across the playoffs. 'It's an incredible feeling to help the team reach this point,' Allende said post-match, according to ESPN reports. His loan spell with Inter Miami has been transformative, turning a mid-table Eastern Conference team into title contenders. The club, co-owned by David Beckham and featuring global stars like Messi and Sergio Busquets, has invested heavily in talent to chase silverware since entering the league in 2020.
This triumph caps a grueling playoff journey for Inter Miami. They dispatched Nashville SC in the best-of-three Round 1 series, overcoming an early deficit to advance. In the conference semifinal, Miami traveled to TQL Stadium in Cincinnati and edged out FC Cincinnati 2-1 in extra time, with Messi scoring the decisive goal. Those victories marked a stark contrast to previous postseason disappointments; Inter Miami had exited in the first round in 2020, 2022, and 2024, often hampered by injuries to key players like Messi.
The regular season provided the foundation for this success. Finishing third in the Eastern Conference with 65 points, Inter Miami earned home-field advantage for the MLS Cup. Their opponents will be determined by the outcome of the Western Conference final between San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, both of whom tallied 63 points in the regular season. San Diego, in their inaugural MLS campaign after relocating from USL Championship, have surprised many with their attacking style, while Vancouver brings playoff experience from recent deep runs.
Attendance at Chase Stadium added to the electric atmosphere. Among the notable spectators were tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his US Open victory, and several members of the U.S. women's national soccer team, including stars like Alex Morgan and Trinity Rodman. Their presence underscored the growing crossover appeal of Major League Soccer, blending sports worlds and drawing elite athletes to support the league's marquee events.
Inter Miami's path to the final highlights the league's competitive balance. New York City FC, despite the loss, had a stellar regular season, clinching the Supporters' Shield for the second time in three years. Coach Nick Cushing praised his team's effort, saying, 'We gave everything, but Miami were clinical tonight,' as reported by match coverage. The defeat ends NYCFC's season on a sour note, but their underlying quality suggests a return to contention in 2026.
Looking ahead, the MLS Cup on November 23 promises to be a spectacle. Inter Miami's home advantage could prove decisive, especially with Messi's form peaking at the right time. The 38-year-old Argentine has three goals and five assists in the playoffs, defying expectations of decline. Club president Jorge Mas emphasized the significance, stating in a pre-match interview, 'This is what we built the club for — to compete at the highest level.' The final will not only crown a champion but also affirm MLS's rising global stature.
Beyond the pitch, Inter Miami's success carries broader implications for South Florida soccer. The team's popularity has boosted local tourism and youth participation, with enrollment in academy programs up 40% since Messi's arrival in 2023. Economists estimate the playoffs alone generated over $50 million in economic impact for the region, including ticket sales, merchandise, and hospitality.
Critics, however, point to the league's expansion challenges. San Diego FC's entry, backed by billionaire investors, raises questions about parity, with some Western Conference teams alleging uneven resource distribution. Vancouver's coach, on the other hand, lauded the playoffs' intensity, noting, 'Every match is a battle now.' These perspectives reflect the evolving dynamics as MLS pushes toward 30 teams by 2027.
As the confetti settled at Chase Stadium, fans chanted Messi's name, a testament to the magic he's brought to Miami. Inter Miami's first final appearance is a milestone, but the hunger for a trophy remains. With the Western Conference showdown looming this weekend, the stage is set for what could be the most watched MLS Cup in years. For now, the Herons soar, ready to etch their name in league lore.
Information in this report was drawn from ESPN and The Associated Press.