Sports
Inter Miami books postseason return behind Messi’s assist and 2-0 victory
Inter Miami secured an MLS playoff berth Wednesday, beating New York City FC 2-0 as Rodrigo De Paul scored off a Lionel Messi assist. Germán Berterame opened the scoring, and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair preserved the shutout with a late penalty save.
Inter Miami is headed back to the MLS playoffs after a 2-0 home win over New York City FC on Wednesday night, with Lionel Messi setting up Rodrigo De Paul’s goal and Germán Berterame scoring in the first half.
Berterame put Miami ahead in the 20th minute with his eighth goal of the season. De Paul extended the lead just before halftime, finishing a chance created by Messi. Luis Suárez also recorded an assist for Miami.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair denied Nicolás Fernández from the penalty spot in the final minute, securing his second consecutive clean sheet. The win marked Miami’s second straight victory, its first back-to-back wins since July.
The reigning champions missed the postseason in 2023, the year Messi joined the club. Miami has qualified in each of the three seasons since, including a 2024 first-round loss to Atlanta United and last year’s run to the club’s first MLS Cup title, which included a victory over Vancouver.
Wednesday’s result followed a 4-0 win over D.C. United on Saturday, when Messi and Suárez each scored twice. It was also the second league victory for coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took over on Sept. 16.
Miami visits Atlanta United on Saturday. NYCFC is scheduled to host Los Angeles FC that day.