FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: 30-11-2025] History has been written in South Florida, Inter Miami CF secured their place in the MLS Cup Final for the first time in the club’s young existence, delivering a crushing 5-1 defeat to New York City FC (NYCFC) in the Eastern Conference Final. The monumental victory, achieved on Saturday night at a viewers packed, electrified Chase Stadium, not only crowns The Herons as Eastern Conference Champions but earns them the privilege of hosting the MLS Cup Finals on next weekend.
While the world’s focus remains on Lionel Messi, the match was ultimately decided by the stunning efficiency of his supporting players. Forward Tadeo Allende delivered a sensational and clinical hattrick performance, confirming his status as a postseason hero and proving Inter Miami’s efforts and winning mentality under the supervision of team’s manager Javier Mascherano.
Match Breakdown: Allende’s Blistering First Half
The Eastern Conference clash was billed as a battle of attrition, but Inter Miami CF dictated the pace of their opponents NYCFC from the whistle. Coach Mascherano’s tactical decision to press high immediately addons to their winning chances.
The opening goal arrived in the 14th minute after a signature moment of class from Sergio Busquets, whose visionary, perfectly weighted long ball sliced through the NYCFC defense wall. Tadeo Allende ran onto it cleanly, finishing with lethal precision. The stadium barely settled before Allende struck again just nine minutes later, meeting a pinpoint cross from the left flank, delivered by an overlapping Jordi Alba, to score a magnificent header and double the lead to 2-0.
NYCFC, who had shown grit in their previous playoff rounds, managed to respond before the break. A first delivery in the 37th minute found midfielder Justin Haak, who headed home to cut the deficit to 2-1, adding tension back into the highly anticipated encounter with Inter Miami CF.
The Decisive Save and Messi’s Masterstroke
The opening minutes of the second half proved to be the pivotal turning point. NYCFC pressed relentlessly for the equalizer, forcing Miami’s Argentine goalkeeper, Rocco Rios Novo, to produce a world-class, diving save against Julián Fernández. That save, preserving the 2-1 lead, made a way further for Miami’s final charge.
Minutes later, the definitive blow was struck by the genius. During a lightning fast counter attack in the 67th minute, Lionel Messi delivered a trademark, no-look through ball that bisected the retreating NYCFC defense. The pass found Mateo Silvetti streaking into the box, who made no mistake, firing past the goalkeeper to restore the important two-goal cushion, making it 3-1.
Coach Mascherano later credited the team’s tactical composure: The third goal was critical, Leo’s vision settled the entire atmosphere, both on the field and in the stands. It demonstrated our ability to transition ruthlessly.
The final ten minutes descended into an Inter Miami scoring festival:
Telasco Segovia added a fourth goal in the 83rd minute, capitalizing on a spectacular backheel feed from Jordi Alba, who registered his second assist of the night.
Allende completed his stunning hat trick in the 89th minute, confirming the 5-1 score and tying the MLS postseason record for goals in a single tournament.
The victory ensures Inter Miami CF will host the MLS Cup 2025 Final, at Chase Stadium on Saturday, December 6th, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT). Their opponents will be the Western Conference Champions, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The final sets the stage for Lionel Messi’s first MLS Cup appearance, providing him a chance to capture the 47th trophy of his career. Despite the high confidence following the 5-1 victory, The Herons face a stern test, having lost both regular season matches against a strong Vancouver side earlier this year, including being eliminated by them in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The championship promises to be an amazing action pack showdown for fans across the continent.
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