On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice and providing an assist in Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over New York City FC at Citi Field, securing a 2025 MLS Cup playoff berth, as reported by ESPN and MLS Soccer (Web:0, Web:1). Messi’s goals in the 74th and 86th minutes, alongside Baltazar Rodriguez’s 43rd-minute strike and Luis Suarez’s penalty, propelled Miami to third in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, five behind leaders Philadelphia Union (Web:0, Web:2). Messi’s 24 goals in 23 matches lead the MLS, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (Web:0).
Despite early dominance by NYCFC, who missed chances through Thiago Martins, Aiden O’Neill, and Nicolas Fernandez, Miami capitalized with Rodriguez’s goal off Messi’s through ball (Web:0, Web:1). Messi’s vintage chip over goalkeeper Matt Freese and a precise angled shot sealed the rout (Web:0). Suarez, back from a three-game ban, converted a penalty (Web:0). X posts from @InterMiamiCF (September 24, 2025) celebrated the win, while @MLSFanTalk noted 82% fan votes for Messi as 2025 MVP (MLS Polls, 2025) (Post:3). Miami, with two games in hand, remains in contention for the Supporters’ Shield (Web:2).
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