Inter Miami secured a place in the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs for the third consecutive season with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC, as Lionel Messi helped set up one of the goals despite failing to score himself.
The defending MLS Cup champions dominated key moments of Wednesday’s match at Nu Stadium, with Germán Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul finding the net before half-time. The victory also gave Miami back-to-back league wins for the first time since July, according to the Associated Press.
Berterame and De Paul strike before the break
Miami took the lead in the 20th minute through Mexican forward Berterame. Luis Suárez supplied the decisive pass, allowing Berterame to finish from inside the penalty area and put the hosts ahead.
The home side doubled its advantage in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Messi delivered the ball to fellow Argentine De Paul outside the box, and the midfielder unleashed a powerful shot into the net.
The assist was Messi’s 14th in the MLS regular season, according to the club’s match report. His influence was evident even without a goal of his own.
St. Clair saves late penalty
Neither team managed to score after the interval, although New York City FC had a late opportunity to reduce the deficit.
In the closing moments of stoppage time, NYCFC were awarded a penalty. Nicolás Fernández Mercau stepped up to take the kick, but Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair produced an important save to preserve the clean sheet and secure all three points.
St. Clair recorded his second consecutive clean sheet, capping a disciplined defensive performance by the hosts.
Miami strengthens its playoff position
The result left Inter Miami with 52 points from 29 matches, placing the club second in the Eastern Conference at the time of the match. New York City FC, meanwhile, remained on 33 points from the same number of games and outside the playoff qualification positions. Nashville SC led the conference with 66 points from 33 matches, according to the figures supplied in the original report.
Miami’s qualification continues a strong postseason run. The club reached the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons after Messi joined in 2023, winning its first MLS Cup in 2025 by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.
Messi remains central to the team’s ambitions. His scoring, chance creation and ability to influence decisive moments have helped Miami remain among the Eastern Conference’s leading sides.
Focus shifts to the next match
Inter Miami are scheduled to visit Atlanta United in their next fixture, while NYCFC are due to host Los Angeles FC. Both teams will look to improve their positions as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
For Miami, securing playoff qualification is an important milestone, but the defending champions will now aim to improve their standing and build momentum ahead of the postseason.
