Inter Miami 5-1 New York City FC: Allende hat-trick puts Messi and company on brink of MLS Cup glory

Tadeo Allende’s hat-trick propelled Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to a 5-1 win over New York City FC as Javier Mascherano’s team claimed their place in the MLS Cup final.

Miami will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps next week, as the Herons aim to win the MLS Cup for the first time.

Messi did not score on Saturday, but Allende stepped up to make the difference in a rampant victory that saw Miami clinch their maiden Eastern Conference title.

Allende slammed home after capitalising on a defensive mistake in the 14th minute, doubling his tally soon after when he headed home from Jordi Alba’s delivery.

Justin Haak pulled one back for NYCFC before half-time, but Miami kept their foot to the floor, with Messi teeing up Mateo Silvetti in the 67th minute.

Alba, who, along with team-mate Sergio Busquets, will retire after next week’s showdown with Vancouver, grabbed his second assist of the game with a clever backheel to find Telasco Segovia, with Allende rounding off his hat-trick late on to cap a glorious night for Miami.

FREEDOM TO DREAM pic.twitter.com/QFknlZq4Vj

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 30, 2025

Data Debrief: Messi kept quiet but Allende delivers

Messi was directly involved in all four goals in Miami’s win over FC Cincinnati last week, and though he had a quieter performance this time out, he still registered an assist.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner did not manage to have a shot, though he did create three chances.

However, keeping Messi quiet was not enough for NYCFC, as Allende made his mark in style, having four shots and scoring with each of the three he got on target as Miami posted an impressive 2.34 expected goals (xG) to the visitors’ 0.44.

Miami have become the first team in MLS history to win three successive games by four or more goals in a single postseason campaign, and they will now aim to make more history by overcoming Thomas Muller’s Whitecaps on December 6.