Lionel Messi led his team, Inter Miami, to their first-ever MLS Cup final with a resounding 5-1 victory over New York City FC on Sunday morning.
A hat-trick from Thaddeu Allende and goals from Mateo Silveti and Telasico Segovia propelled the revitalized Miami side into the tournament final, which will be held next Saturday at their home ground in Fort Lauderdale.
While the 38-year-old Messi didn’t score, he provided a brilliant and crucial assist for Silveti’s third goal, effectively ending any hopes of a New York City comeback.
His former Barcelona teammate and current Inter Miami coach, Javier Mascherano, commented: “Leo has always been exceptional… He’s an extraordinary person, someone we’ll never see again. Today, we might be surprised he didn’t score, but he gave us peace of mind with the third goal, with an assist that only he could have foreseen. He practically sealed the victory.”
Miami will host Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final next Saturday.
Vancouver, led by German star and former Bayern Munich player Thomas Müller, reached the final with a stunning 3-1 victory over San Diego in California on Saturday, securing the Western Conference title.
