Messi, Inter Miami blank NYC to book playoffs spot

Oct 15, 2026

MIAMI — Lionel Messi set up a Rodrigo De Paul goal and German Berterame snapped his scoring drought as Inter Miami booked their place in the MLS playoffs with a 2-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila). Victory gave Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez his first back-to-back wins since taking over as head coach last month, guaranteeing second-placed Miami at least a place in the wild card round, with five games left to play. “I’m leaving happy. Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said. Messi — who had scored twice on Saturday after returning to his club side from last week’s emotional Argentina send-off — was again a dangerous presence, playing a hand in both first-half goals. In the 20th minute Messi trapped the ball just outside the penalty area and passed it to De Paul, who found Suarez on the byline with a diagonal looping ball. Suarez rolled it flat across the face of the goal, giving Berterame a simple finish for his first goal since May. De Paul grabbed Miami’s second on a quick counter with the final kick of the first half. Berterame brought the ball across the halfway line and was slightly fortunate to find Messi to his right with a mishit pass. Messi drew in three defenders then laid it off with the outside of his left foot to De Paul, who slammed it high to the keeper’s right. In a goalless second half, Messi sent a curling effort from just outside the box over the bar. As the game clock hit 90, Messi played a short corner to De Paul, who unleashed a shot from outside the box toward the far top corner. United States national team goalkeeper Matt Freese made a superb diving save, tipping the ball onto the post. New York City, on a dire streak of just one win in their last 11 MLS games, at least had a chance for a consolation deep in stoppage time with a penalty. Ian Fray brought down fellow substitute Talles Magno, who turned sharply away from goal and ran into the defender’s trailing leg. But Dayne St. Clair made a brilliant save, flinging himself low and right to palm the ball around the bar. It was Inter Miami’s second straight clean sheet, after none in their previous 10.

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