Sports
Messi sets up De Paul as Miami shuts out NYCFC ahead of playoff run
Inter Miami secured a 2-0 home win over New York City FC on Oct. 14, returning the reigning MLS Cup champions to the playoffs. Germán Berterame scored first, Lionel Messi assisted Rodrigo De Paul’s goal, and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair stopped a late penalty.
Inter Miami is headed back to the MLS playoffs after beating New York City FC 2-0 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at home in Miami.
Germán Berterame opened the scoring in the 20th minute, his eighth goal of the season. Rodrigo De Paul added Miami’s second just before halftime, finishing a setup from Lionel Messi. Luis Suárez also recorded an assist for Miami.
NYCFC had a chance to cut the deficit in the final minute, but St. Clair saved Nicolás Fernández’s penalty. The goalkeeper earned his second consecutive clean sheet.
The victory gave Miami back-to-back wins for the first time since July. It followed a 4-0 defeat of D.C. United on Saturday, when Messi and Suárez scored twice each. Wednesday’s result was the second league win for coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took over on Sept. 16.
Miami missed the postseason in 2023, Messi’s first year with the club. It reached the playoffs in each of the following two seasons: the team lost to Atlanta United in the first round in 2024, then beat Vancouver last year to win its first MLS Cup. As defending champion, Miami now has another postseason chance to pursue a title.
Messi’s year has also included leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final and announcing his retirement from international soccer a month later.
NYCFC hosts LAFC on Saturday, while Miami visits Atlanta United.