Lionel Messi once again proved unstoppable, guiding Inter Miami to a decisive 4-0 victory over New York City FC at Citi Field and sealing the club’s place in the 2025 MLS playoffs. The Argentine legend scored twice and assisted once, bringing his season tally to an unmatched 24 goals and 13 assists, setting a new MLS record with 37 goal contributions and overtaking LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge in the Golden Boot race.
Messi’s first strike came in the 74th minute, when he latched on to a precise through-ball from former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, lifting a delicate chip over goalkeeper Matt Freese. He doubled his tally 12 minutes later, finishing off Marcelo Weigandt’s pass, aided by a clever decoy run from Luis Suárez.
Suárez, back from a three-match suspension, also found the net, converting a penalty that Messi generously allowed him to take despite being on a hat-trick. Head coach Javier Mascherano praised both Messi’s brilliance and the team’s unity, stressing that maintaining momentum is key as Miami pushes for home-field advantage in the postseason.
With eight multi-goal games in his last 12 appearances, Messi continues to showcase his enduring class and leadership, leaving fans and rivals wondering if anyone can stop Miami’s charge for the Supporters’ Shield. Next up, Miami faces Toronto FC as they look to close out the regular season in dominant fashion.
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