Messi creates both goals as Inter Miami beat NYCFC to reach MLS playoffs
Lionel Messi was involved in both goals as Inter Miami beat New York City FC 2-0 to secure a third straight MLS playoff appearance, with De Paul and Berterame scoring.
Lionel Messi was at the heart of both goals as Inter Miami beat New York City FC 2-0 on Wednesday 15 October 2026 to secure a third straight MLS playoff appearance, according to Al Jazeera. Germán Berterame opened the scoring in the 20th minute and Rodrigo De Paul doubled the lead with the last kick of the first half, with Messi starting the first move and laying on the second. This Messi news report covers how the goals were made, the late drama at both ends and what the win means for Inter Miami's run-in.
How Messi created the opening goal
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute. Messi controlled the ball outside the penalty area and found Rodrigo De Paul, who moved it on to Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan then crossed for Germán Berterame to finish, ending the striker's wait for a goal that stretched back to May.
It was a move that showed the familiar understanding between Miami's experienced attackers: Messi's first touch and vision to start the attack, De Paul's link play and Suárez's delivery. For Berterame, the goal was a welcome end to a long drought and a timely boost heading into the decisive weeks of the season.
De Paul's long-range strike and Messi's assist
Miami's second goal arrived with the final kick of the first half. Messi drew three New York City defenders towards him before laying the ball off to De Paul, who struck from long range to make it 2-0. The report credits Messi with the assist.
The goal summed up Messi's influence even when he is not the one finishing. By pulling defenders out of position, he created the space for his Argentina team-mate to shoot, and De Paul took full advantage. The partnership between the two, already proven at international level, is proving just as productive in MLS.
Inter Miami 2-0 New York City FC: key moments
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 20' | Berterame scores after a move involving Messi, De Paul and Suárez (1-0) |
| 45+' | De Paul scores from long range with the last kick of the half, assisted by Messi (2-0) |
| Stoppage time | Matt Freese tips a De Paul shot onto the post |
| Stoppage time | Dayne St Clair saves a New York City penalty |
Late drama: a post and a penalty save
The second half did not bring more goals, but there was plenty of action in stoppage time. New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese tipped a De Paul effort onto the post, denying the midfielder a second goal. At the other end, Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair kept his clean sheet intact by saving a penalty, ensuring New York City FC left without a consolation.
For New York City, the defeat leaves them 10th in the Eastern Conference with 33 points from 29 games, according to Yalla Shoot data, despite the efforts of Nicolás Fernández Mercau, who is listed with 15 league goals this season.
That penalty save may prove important for Miami's confidence. A clean sheet is the kind of platform the team will need in the playoffs, where single moments often decide knockout ties.
Coach Gonzalez: "We're making progress little by little"
After the match, coach Gonzalez struck a balanced tone. "I'm leaving happy. Obviously, there's a lot to improve, but we're making progress little by little," he said, acknowledging the quality of the result while signalling that there is still work to do before the postseason.
Inter Miami in the MLS table and the playoff race
The victory confirmed Inter Miami's place in the postseason. They are second in the table with five games left and have clinched at least a wild-card place. The Eastern Conference standings in Yalla Shoot's MLS data show the picture at the top:
- Nashville SC: 1st, 66 points from 29 games.
- Inter Miami: 2nd, 52 points from 29 games (14 wins, 10 draws, 5 defeats), 70 goals scored.
- New England Revolution: 3rd, 49 points.
- Chicago Fire: 4th, 48 points.
- New York City FC: 10th, 33 points.
Miami's 70 league goals are the highest total in the Eastern Conference according to the same data, underlining the attacking power of a squad built around Messi, Suárez and De Paul. With the gap to the chasing pack still tight, the remaining five matches will decide how high they finish and how favourable their playoff path becomes.
Messi's season in numbers
Messi had already scored twice in Miami's previous match on the Saturday, and his two contributions against New York City extended a productive spell. According to Yalla Shoot's MLS top-scorer data, he leads the league with 23 goals and has added 12 assists in 26 appearances. Suárez has also chipped in with 14 league goals, giving Miami two of the most experienced finishers in the competition.
Background: Messi, De Paul and Inter Miami
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and quickly transformed the club, leading them to the 2023 Leagues Cup, the first trophy in the club's history. He has won the Ballon d'Or a record eight times, and his arrival raised the profile of MLS around the world.
De Paul and Messi were team-mates in Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning side, and the understanding they built for the national team was clear in the second goal against New York City. Reaching the playoffs for a third consecutive season shows how far the club has come since Messi's arrival.
What's next for Inter Miami
With a playoff place secured, Miami's focus now turns to the final five regular-season games and the battle for the best possible seeding. Follow every Inter Miami fixture and the MLS standings on Yalla Shoot's live scores page.