Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Tuesday, 2 December 2025 01:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (#10) holds the trophy as Inter Miami players celebrate winning the MLS Eastern Conference final match against New York City FC on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
Inter Miami Coach Javier Mascherano hailed Lionel Messi as “extraordinary” after the Argentinian superstar steered the club into their first Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final with a 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC on Saturday.
A Tadeo Allende hat-trick and goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia sent a revitalised Miami roaring into the championship game next Saturday at their home field in Fort Lauderdale.
While Messi did not get on the score sheet, the 38-year-old provided a crucial, classy assist for Miami’s third goal scored by Silvetti that killed off the game as New York chased an equaliser.
“Leo has accustomed us to the extraordinary,” Mascherano said of his former Barcelona and Argentina teammate.
“He’s someone extraordinary, someone we’ll never see again. Today, perhaps we’re surprised that he didn’t score, but he gave us peace of mind with the third goal, an assist that only he can see. He practically sealed the game.”
Miami will host the Vancouver Whitecaps in next Saturday’s MLS showpiece.
