Inter Miami have secured their place in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs after Lionel Messi inspired a 2–0 victory over New York City FC, keeping the reigning champions on course for a successful title defence.
The Florida-based side sealed qualification at Nu Stadium on Wednesday night, October 14, with Germán Berterame opening the scoring before Rodrigo De Paul doubled the advantage just before half-time.
Messi played a decisive role in both goals. In the 20th minute, he helped create the opening goal by linking up with De Paul and Luis Suárez before Berterame finished the move. The Argentine superstar then supplied the assist for De Paul’s stoppage-time strike to give Miami a comfortable cushion.
The result confirms Miami’s third consecutive postseason appearance and fifth overall, with the club now targeting a second successive MLS Cup crown after lifting its maiden title in 2025.
According to [Major League Soccer](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/inter-miami-cf-clinch-audi-2026-mls-cup-playoffs-spot), Miami had 52 points from 29 matches and sat second in the Eastern Conference, with five regular-season games remaining. The club is aiming to become the first team since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012 to win back-to-back MLS Cup titles.
The victory also extended Miami’s recent improvement under head coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took charge in September. The team had beaten D.C. United 4–0 in its previous league outing, with Messi and Suárez both scoring twice.
New York City FC had opportunities to make the contest more competitive, but Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair preserved the clean sheet by saving Nicolás Fernández Mercau’s late penalty.
Inter Miami have already added the Campeones Cup to their trophy collection this year and will now turn their attention to the postseason, which begins in November.
With Messi orchestrating attacks, De Paul providing midfield influence and Berterame contributing goals, the champions have secured the first objective. The bigger challenge is now to defend their crown.