Lionel Messi, Inter Miami advance to MLS Cup 2025 with 5-1 win over NYCFC.
Inter Miami is one win away from the first MLS championship in club history — thanks once again to Lionel Messi and a dominant night from the Herons’ attack.
Miami routed New York City FC, 5–1, in the Eastern Conference final on Saturday, Nov. 29, securing the club’s first trip to MLS Cup. They’ll face the Vancouver Whitecaps — the Western Conference champions — on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale (2:30 p.m. ET, Apple TV and FOX). Since Miami finished with a better regular-season record than Vancouver, they’ll host the title match.
Tadeo Allende delivered a hat trick in the win, giving him eight goals in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs — tying Carlos Ruiz’s 2002 mark for the most in a single postseason in MLS history. Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia scored second-half goals, with Messi assisting Silvetti for his 13th playoff goal contribution (six goals, seven assists) across five postseason matches.
This season has felt like an “all-in” run for Inter Miami. Two of Messi’s longtime FC Barcelona teammates — Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets — are retiring, and Luis Suárez is not yet signed for 2026. For Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion, winning MLS Cup would mark the 47th trophy of his legendary career.
Inter Miami is in just its sixth season and has already captured the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Now, the club sits one victory away from its biggest achievement yet.
When is MLS Cup 2025?
Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Watch: FOX and Apple TV
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