#mlscupplayoffs

Inter Miami secured its place in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs with a dominant 4-0 win over New York City FC at Citi Field. Lionel Messi starred with a brace plus an assist, while Luis Suárez and Baltasar Rodríguez added goals to seal a commanding result that propelled the Herons into postseason contention.

A Commanding Night in the Big Apple

Miami entered the match knowing a win would guarantee them a playoff spot, and they delivered emphatically. Messi scored twice in the second half — pushing his tally to 24 goals for the season — and also set up one of the four. Suárez, returning from a short suspension, converted a penalty, and Rodríguez chipped in as well, capping a comprehensive performance.

This victory marks the second consecutive season Miami has qualified for the playoffs. With five regular season games still to play, they now sit third in the Eastern Conference with 55 points (16W-6L-7D). The win also strengthens their chances to host at least part of the postseason.

Messi: Engine of the Attack

If anyone doubted Messi’s impact, this match erased those doubts. His two goals plus assist not only powered the result but extended his historic run: he became the first player in MLS history to post 35+ goal contributions in back-to-back seasons (24 goals, 13 assists so far in 2025).

Beyond the stats, his presence changed the game’s dynamics. Defenders were forced to respect his movement, which created space for teammates. Suárez and Rodríguez capitalized on that attention, making their chances count. The energy Messi brings night in and night out continues to make him the fulcrum of Miami’s success.

Depth & Momentum: What It Means Moving Forward

This milestone isn’t just symbolic. Clinching early gives Miami room to manage players’ workload, recover key bodies, and continue pushing for a favorable playoff seeding.

They’ve already locked in qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup (thanks to their Leagues Cup final appearance), and now they’re balanced between chasing top Eastern Conference placement and preserving fitness.

Even with this result, challenges remain. Other Eastern teams aren’t standing still, and Miami must maintain consistency in the final stretch. But having secured one major objective, they can enter the final rounds with confidence and flexibility.

Defensive Solidity & Tactical Control

While the spotlight shines on Messi, Miami’s defense deserves credit for a clean sheet on the road. They neutralized NYCFC’s attacking threats, stayed compact under pressure, and limited dangerous transitions. That solidity allowed their forwards to press freely, knowing they had cover behind them.

Tactically, the coach deployed smart rotations and used Messi in a role that toggled between creator and finisher. The balance kept NYCFC guessing and allowed Miami to dominate possession in decisive phases.

What to Watch Next

Whether Miami can convert their current momentum into consistent wins in the remaining games

If they clinch home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs

How the squad handles injuries, fatigue, and tactical adjustments as stakes rise

Whether Messi maintains this scoring tear and continues setting records

Which emerging players step up now that pressure has eased

Miami’s path to the postseason now lies open, and they’ve proven in this match they can deliver when it matters most. With the firepower, depth, and experience they’ve shown, they enter the playoffs not just as qualifiers, but as serious contenders.

Con su gente alentando, pero con ausencias, Timbers apuntan a la final de MLS

De ganar este sábado ante Real Salt Lake, Portland no solo llegaría al partido por el título de la liga, sino que sería la sede de la gran final. Todos en Timbers ‘land’ lo saben, pero la aduana no es sencilla. Por: @jrojasa75 Providence Park estará a reventar, luciendo sus mejores galas y con los nervios de punta por la emoción de poder ser sede de la final de MLS. En el terreno de juego habrá…