Inter Miami vs NYCFC: Allende Hat-Trick Sends Miami to MLS Cup Final in Dominant 5–1 Win
Inter Miami Deliver Their Most Complete Performance of the Season
Inter Miami booked their first-ever trip to the MLS Cup Final with a commanding 5–1 win over NYCFC, powered by a Tadeo Allende hat-trick and a masterful midfield display from Lionel Messi. From the opening whistle, Miami showcased the difference between a clinical contender and a side struggling under pressure.
First-Half Momentum: Allende Sets the Tone Early
Miami pressed high, attacked with pace, and quickly took control of the match.
Key First-Half Moments
- 14’ — Tadeo Allende opens the scoring after slipping behind the NYCFC back line.
- 23’ — Allende doubles the lead with a powerful header from a Jordi Alba cross.
- 37’ — Justin Haak pulls one back for NYCFC, but Miami maintained control.
Even with NYCFC’s brief spark, Miami’s superior tempo, spacing, and attacking patterns established early dominance.
Second Half: Messi Orchestrates the Midfield
The turning point came when Lionel Messi began controlling the rhythm, dictating play, and creating opportunities.
67’ — Mateo Silvetti scores Miami’s third after a brilliant Messi assist slicing through NYCFC’s defensive block.
NYCFC struggled to adjust to Miami’s increased tempo and width, leaving gaps that the hosts exploited repeatedly.
Closing Act: Segovia Strikes & Allende Completes Hat-Trick
83’ — Telasco Segovia scores Miami’s fourth after an incisive pass from Jordi Alba.
89’ — Tadeo Allende completes his hat-trick, becoming the standout performer of the Eastern Conference Final.
The atmosphere shifted to celebration as Inter Miami cruised toward their first MLS Cup Final.
Match Stats: Inter Miami vs NYCFC
| Shots: | Miami 11 — NYCFC 6 |
| Shots on Target: | Miami 6 — NYCFC 4 |
| Possession: | Miami 49% — NYCFC 51% |
| Corners: | Miami 5 — NYCFC 2 |
| Fouls: | Miami 22 — NYCFC 19 |
Tactical Takeaways: Why Miami Deserved the Win
1. Allende’s Movement Was Unplayable
His diagonal runs consistently disrupted NYCFC’s defensive shape and created high-value chances.
2. Messi Controlled the Tempo
Messi’s precise passing and positional awareness allowed Miami to dominate the second half.
3. NYCFC Struggled Defensively
Poor spacing and slow recovery runs in transition proved costly throughout the match.
What This Means for Miami: MLS Cup Bound
With a dominant 5–1 victory, Inter Miami advance to the MLS Cup Final for the first time in club history — looking balanced, confident, and ready for the biggest match in American soccer.