Inter Miami have secured their place in the 2026 MLS playoffs after beating New York City FC 2-0 at Nu Stadium on Wednesday night, with Lionel Messi once again playing a key role in their push for silverware.
Goals from Germán Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul sealed the victory for the Herons, who moved up to second place in the Eastern Conference standings with 52 points from 29 matches. The result also marked another step forward for new head coach Cristian ‘Kily’ González as he looks to establish his ideas at the club.
Berterame opened the scoring after connecting with a Luis Suárez assist, calmly guiding the ball past New York City goalkeeper Matthew Freese. The strike ended his wait for a league goal, with his previous effort coming against Philadelphia Union on May 24.
Inter Miami continued to press and doubled their advantage before half-time through De Paul. The midfielder combined with Messi just outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful effort into the top-left corner, leaving Freese with little chance of making the save.
Messi’s influence remains central to Miami’s ambitions. The Argentine captain leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 23 goals and also tops the regular-season assist rankings with 14. His creativity and ability to deliver in decisive moments have helped keep the reigning MLS Cup champions firmly in contention.
After the match, González acknowledged the importance of reaching the postseason but stressed that his team still had work to do.
“Well, [qualifying for the playoffs] was one of the club’s initial goals for the season, and we’re there, but we still need to keep improving as a team,” Miami coach Cristian ‘Kily’ González said after the game.
New York City, meanwhile, were left frustrated after failing to find a way back into the contest. The visitors had an opportunity to score late on from the penalty spot, but Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair produced an important save to preserve his clean sheet and confirm the hosts’ two-goal victory.
The result means Inter Miami will return to the MLS playoffs after lifting the 2025 MLS Cup with a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps. The club missed out on the postseason in 2023, Messi’s first year in Miami, but have qualified in each of the following three seasons.
Wednesday’s win followed an emphatic 4-0 triumph over DC United last Saturday, when Messi and Suárez both scored twice. It was also González’s second league victory since taking charge on September 16, giving the new coach further encouragement as the team approaches the business end of the campaign.
González believes his players’ willingness to embrace his approach has helped accelerate the process of building a more consistent side.
“When you have players who are willing to buy into the vision you’re trying to implement, everything becomes easier,” González added. “We recognize the mistakes we’ve been making, or are still making, and we address them during training. And really, that willingness makes it much easier to convey clear concepts.”
The coach also praised the environment surrounding Messi, highlighting the support the forward receives from his teammates and the standards he demands from those around him.
“This is a club that looks after him and protects him,” González said about Messi. “His teammates show him constant affection. They go all out for him and give everything they have. He pushes us to be better every single day and challenges us.”
For Messi, the playoff qualification offers another opportunity to add to an already remarkable career. After leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final and subsequently announcing his international retirement, the forward now has another major club prize in his sights.
Inter Miami face Atlanta United away on Saturday, while New York City FC host Los Angeles FC. With a playoff place secured, Miami will now look to build momentum and strengthen their position ahead of the postseason.
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