Leo Messi continues to expand his legend in United States soccer. 'La Pulga' led a new victory for Inter Miami, this time at home against New York City FC (5-1) to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference trophy, a title previously absent from the pink team's record.
The thrashing in the final allows Javier Mascherano's team to go for the grand final next Saturday, against Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup, the main trophy awarded by the American league. The match will be played at the Chase Stadium in Miami on Saturday, December 6th at 3:30 PM local time (9:30 PM Spanish time).
Leo Messi and Jordi Alba Led Inter Miami's Rout
In the conference final, Inter Miami took the lead with two goals from Tadeo Allende in the first half within just 23 minutes, the second of them assisted by Jordi Alba. New York pulled one back before halftime with a goal from Justin Haak in the 37th minute, but the home team sealed the match in the second half.Messi assisted Mateo Silvetti in the 67th minute, and Alba added his second assist of the final 16 minutes later, setting up Telasco Segovia for the 'herons'' fourth goal. Tadeo Allende, in the 89th minute, completed the 'handful' and his 'hat-trick' to unleash the total celebration at Chase Stadium
Sergio Busquets also started for Inter, while Luis Suárez came on in the 82nd minute for Mateo Silvetti. Both Alba and 'Busi' announced their retirement in October, meaning they will play their last professional match in the MLS Cup final next Saturday. Will both have a dream retirement in the United States?
Messi goes for his 47th title, the fourth with Inter Miami
Leo Messi, for his part, will seek to lift his fourth trophy with the Inter Miami jersey and the 47th of his legendary club career. The '10' won the Leagues Cup after his signing in the summer of 2023. Later, in the 2024 season, he won the MLS Supporters Shield, a trophy awarded to the best team in the regular season.
Currently, 'La Pulga' has 77 goals and 42 assists in 87 official matches with the pink team. The 38-year-old player recently renewed until 2028 and will probably retire with the 'herons', although the possibility of a 'last dance' with FC Barcelona will remain open as long as the Rosario native is still active as a professional