Fort Lauderdale, Florida – November 30, 2025: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have booked their spot in the MLS Cup 2025 final after a dominant 5-1 victory against New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final. The win sets up a clash with the Vancouver Whitecaps, who secured the Western Conference crown with a 3-1 triumph over San Diego.

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Messi’s Magic Guides Miami

Although Messi, 38, did not score, his vision and playmaking proved decisive. The Argentine superstar provided a pivotal assist for Mateo Silvetti’s third goal, effectively ending any chance of a New York comeback.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s influence:

“Leo has accustomed us to the extraordinary. He may not have scored today, but his assist gave us peace of mind and practically sealed the game.”

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Allende and Silvetti Shine

Tadeo Allende stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick, while Silvetti and Telasco Segovia contributed goals, completing Miami’s emphatic victory.

Allende opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a clever run behind the New York offside trap and added a second goal with a superb header before completing his hat-trick in the 89th minute. Silvetti and Segovia scored in the 66th and 83rd minutes, respectively, ensuring Miami’s dominance.

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New York’s Fightback Falls Short

New York briefly threatened with a Justin Haak header in the 37th minute but were unable to sustain momentum. A late effort by Julian Fernandez forced a fine save from Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo, keeping the visitors at bay.

Miami’s structured counterattack, orchestrated by Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Jordi Alba, led to Silvetti’s third-minute strike, effectively putting the game out of reach.

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Vancouver Awaits in MLS Cup Final

Inter Miami will host Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final next Saturday. Vancouver, powered by former Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller, defeated San Diego 3-1 in the Western Conference final.

The Canadian side got off to a flying start with Brian White scoring twice, including a first-half brace, and benefited from an own goal by San Diego’s Pablo Sisniega. Despite a late strike from Hirving Lozano, Vancouver controlled the match and earned a red card advantage that further cemented their win.

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Miami’s Remarkable Turnaround

Inter Miami’s run to the final caps a season of resurgence after early struggles. Mascherano highlighted the team’s unity:

“We strengthened as a group and reached the end of the season with a brotherhood where everyone pulls together. The power of a group is unbreakable.”

The MLS Cup final promises a showdown between Messi’s star-studded squad and Vancouver’s high-powered team, offering fans a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season.