The enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi was on full display as he masterminded Inter Miami’s commanding 4-0 victory over New York City FC, a result that officially secured his team’s place in the MLS playoffs. The Argentine legend delivered a vintage performance, scoring twice and adding an assist on a spectacular night that saw the familiar partnership with Sergio Busquets spark moments of pure Barcelona nostalgia. Messi’s current form—with five goals in his last three games—has been the driving force behind Miami’s ascent to third place in the Eastern Conference. With the team now eyeing the top spot and the MLS scoring title well within reach, the narrative surrounding Inter Miami has shifted entirely: they are no longer just a struggling club, but a genuine championship contender powered by arguably the greatest player in the history of the sport.
A Night of Vintage Barcelona Brilliance
The victory over New York City FC was more than just three points; it was a showcase of the effortless, telepathic chemistry that has defined soccer’s modern era. Lionel Messi’s former Barcelona teammates were instrumental in Miami’s domination, proving that their brilliance is portable. The scoring began just before halftime, but Messi was the architect, sliding a brilliant, surgically precise through ball to midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez, who finished clinically to put Miami ahead.
The second goal, however, was a moment that truly rolled back the years. Midfield general Sergio Busquets, positioned deep in midfield, delivered a trademark cutting pass that sliced the New York defense apart, finding Messi clean through on goal. With the precision and calm of a player in his prime, the Argentine magician dinked the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper before wheeling away in celebration. This sequence—the incisive passing of Busquets and the delicate finish of Messi—was a perfect, nostalgic reminder of the chemistry that once dominated European football.
The Goal Rush: Leading the Line with Unstoppable Form
Lionel Messi’s current form suggests that the years have done nothing to diminish his goal-scoring hunger. His brace against New York City FC elevated his tally to an incredible five goals in the last three games, a run of form that has single-handedly propelled Inter Miami into the playoff picture. Messi’s second goal of the night demonstrated not just technique but sheer determination; receiving the ball, he drove directly at the heart of the New York defense before shifting it onto his favored right foot and striking powerfully across the goalkeeper into the net.
This scoring surge has not only secured the team’s playoff berth but has also positioned Messi at the top of the league’s individual charts. The thirty-eight-year-old currently leads the MLS with 24 goals this season, showcasing an unparalleled consistency. He also sits in joint-third place with 13 assists, underscoring his dual role as both the primary finisher and the chief creator for the team. This individual dominance provides Miami with a unique offensive weapon as they head into the crucial final weeks of the regular season.
The Shifting Landscape: From Struggle to Championship Contender
Inter Miami Head Coach Javier Mascherano expressed immense satisfaction and relief after the final whistle, recognizing that the qualification for the playoffs was the team’s paramount goal. The victory confirms a dramatic turnaround for a club that had struggled for consistency before the arrival of its global superstars. The team is now seated comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference, a far cry from their previous struggles at the bottom of the table.
With the playoffs secured, attention immediately shifts to challenging for the top spot. Miami is only five points behind division leader Philadelphia Union, but critically, they hold two games in hand. With only five regular season matches left, every game is now a potential opportunity to close that gap and secure a first-round bye. The presence of players like Messi and Suárez has instilled a new level of belief and expectation, transforming the team’s outlook and making them a genuine threat as the MLS playoffs begin on October 22, culminating in the MLS Cup on December 6.
