Inter Miami defeated New York City 4-0 on Wednesday with a Lionel Messi brace to seal their place in the MLS playoffs.
The match against New York City was one of three matches Inter Miami still had pending due to its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
Inter Miami moves up to third place in the East
With Wednesday’s win, Inter moves into third place in the Eastern Conference with 55 points, five points behind leaders Philalphia Union, but still with two games in hand.
Inter Miami is still hoping to retain the Supporters’ Shield, the title that rewards the best team in the MLS regular season.
This Saturday, Javier Mascherano’s men will play at Toronto, one of the weakest teams in the league.
New York City, who came out without ‘tico’ Alonso Martínez in the starting eleven, had the best chances in the first half, but they were too quick in front of Óscar Ustari’s goal against Inter Miami’s solid defense.
Messi and Suárez lead Inter’s scoring spree
On the stroke of halftime, in the 43rd minute, Inter Miami took advantage and went ahead thanks to a goal by Baltasar Rodriguez assisted by compatriot Lionel Messi.
In the 74th minute of the second half, it was Messi himself who made it 0-2 after a superb assist into space from teammate Sergio Busquets, beating goalkeeper Matt Freese.
The third was scored by Luis Suárez from a penalty taken by Rodrigo de Paul.
The Uruguayan returned to the XI on Wednesday after a three-match suspension for spitting at a member of the Seattle Sounders after losing the Leagues Cup final.
Retakes the lead among scorers
With New York City in disarray, Messi scored his brace with a great cross-shot in the 86th minute.
The brace moves Messi back into the MLS scoring lead with 24 goals.
Two more than French striker Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC) and three more than England’s Sam Surridge (Nashville).
With information from EFE
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