In a display of dominance, Inter Miami dismantled New York City FC 4–0 at Citi Field on Wednesday night, securing their place in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The visitors overwhelmed their hosts with swagger, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the show.
The deadlock was broken in first-half stoppage time: in the 43rd minute, Baltasar Rodríguez calmly slotted home after a precise through-ball from Messi. In the 74th minute, Messi himself doubled the lead with a deft chip over the goalkeeper, following a split-opening pass from Sergio Busquets.
Around the 83rd minute, NYCFC conceded a penalty, and Luis Suárez stepped up to convert with confidence. Messi sealed the night in the 86th minute: after a thrilling solo run, he finished to the far post to make it 4–0.
Lionel Messi was superb with two goals and an assist. His influence pervaded every attack and lifted Miami to another gear. Sergio Busquets quietly controlled the midfield, delivering key passes, especially his assist to Messi, and helping shield Miami’s backline.
Baltasar Rodríguez, though less heralded, did his job expertly: finishing the first goal under pressure in what became a pivotal moment. Luis Suárez showed composure in taking the penalty, adding to his season’s goal tally with a confident stroke.
NYCFC had periods of attacking ambition, but they lacked killer instincts and composure in front of goal. Early in the match, Matt Freese had to make several saves, including a header from Thiago Martins. Their best chance in the first half fell to Nicolás Fernández, whose curling effort clipped the post.
But once Miami grabbed the lead, NYCFC struggled to respond. Their wing play was stifled, midfield transitions were sluggish, and defensive organization faltered under pressure.
This emphatic result not only assures Miami of postseason football but also sends a message that when their best assets (Messi, Busquets, Suárez) fire, they are a formidable force. NYCFC, meanwhile, must regroup if they ever hope to compete against the league’s heavyweights. Moments like this expose their vulnerabilities.