Inter Miami won the Eastern Conference title by defeating New York City FC (NYCFC) 5-1. This victory marked the club’s first appearance in the MLS Cup Final. Lionel Messi, the 38-year-old Argentine star, increased his total trophy count to 47, solidifying his status as the player with the most honors in football history.
The match at Chase Stadium saw Inter Miami dominate NYCFC, scoring five goals. The standout performer was Argentine forward Facundo Almendras, who scored a brilliant hat-trick. Fellow Argentine players Matías Silveti and Talasco Segovia both contributed with a goal each to wrap up the impressive win. While Messi did not score, he played a key role in the team’s attack. He provided a crucial assist that helped Silveti restore the team’s two-goal lead in the second half. This assist brought Messi’s total to 405 career assists, the highest recorded in the sport’s history.
This win secured Inter Miami’s place in the MLS Cup Final. It is a significant achievement for a club that was at the bottom of the league before Messi joined in 2023. Thanks to strong performances during the regular season, Miami will host the Western Conference champions at Chase Stadium for the MLS Cup Final on December 6. After winning the League’s Cup and the Supporters’ Shield, this Eastern Conference title is Miami’s third trophy since Messi’s arrival, reflecting a remarkable turnaround in just two years.
Beyond this title, the high-pressure knockout match showcased the growth of Miami’s Argentine connection with Almendras, Silveti, and Segovia shining alongside Messi. This latest victory has raised Messi’s career trophy tally to 47, a feat unmatched in football history. His accolades include six titles with the Argentine national team, 35 with FC Barcelona, three with Paris Saint-Germain, and now three with Inter Miami.