Messi leads Inter Miami into the MLS playoffs

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a place in the Major League Soccer playoffs. By beating New York City away, the team also continued its recovery in the American league, with an assist from the Argentine and a goal by Germán Berterame, who ended his scoring drought.

Messi was involved in both first-half goals. For the second, at 45+5, Berterame carried the ball forward from midfield before finding his teammate. Messi drew three defenders, then laid the ball off with his left foot for Rodrigo De Paul, who drove a powerful shot into the upper part of the net.

Inter Miami sit second on 52 points, behind Nashville on 66, and therefore have the advantage of playing at home in the playoffs. With five rounds remaining, the team is guaranteed at least a wild-card place. Christian González, meanwhile, has recorded his first two consecutive wins since taking charge last month. “I’m happy. It’s clear there is a lot to improve, but we are progressing little by little,” he said.

González also praised his team’s defensive work: “I liked the way we dropped back into our defensive shape. We weren’t caught out by the counterattacks and we were very aggressive, stopping attacks whenever a sudden change seemed possible. The ball circulation may have been slow at times, but that’s how the match unfolded.” The second half finished without a goal. Messi continued to pose a threat, then delivered a corner to De Paul in the 90th minute; Matt Freese made an impressive save to turn De Paul’s powerful effort onto the post.