Messi’s Inter Miami overpower NYCFC 5-1 as Allende delivers hat trick to reach MLS Cup final: Highlights and goals

Inter Miami defeated New York City FC in a decisive Eastern Conference clash, and you experienced every moment of this high-stakes MLS action here with us on Bolavip.

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The match comes to an end at Chase Stadium, and Inter Miami close out a dominant performance to secure their place in the MLS Cup final. With Lionel Messi pulling the strings, Tadeo Allende delivering a hat-trick, and the team maintaining control from start to finish, Miami earn a statement win over New York City FC and move on to play for the league title.

Inter Miami strike again, and it’s Tadeo Allende completing his hat trick. Yannick Bright threads a perfect ball in behind the New York defense, and Allende takes full advantage, finishing with confidence to extend Miami’s lead even further.

Inter Miami deliver a sensational counterattack to stretch their lead in unforgettable fashion. After defending a corner, Telasco Segovia leads the break with pace and precision, carrying the ball into space before slipping a perfect pass to Jordi Alba inside the box. Alba returns it with an exquisite back-heel touch, setting up a brilliant finish to cap off a breathtaking sequence.

Inter Miami make a late adjustment up front. Mateo Silvetti, who delivered a strong performance and added a goal, makes way for Luis Suarez. Miami look to close out the match with fresh experience in the attack.

Despite holding a comfortable lead, Inter Miami continue pressing high and refusing to sit back. The hosts push aggressively in the final minutes, looking to prevent any late complications and keep New York from building momentum.

Baltasar Rodriguez, who had been previously booked, is taken off as Inter Miami freshen the midfield. Telasco Segovia enters the match to help manage the tempo and protect the lead in the closing stages.

Inter Miami strike again with a beautifully crafted collective play. Jordi Alba cuts inside and slips a smart pass toward the middle, finding Lionel Messi in full control at the top of the box. Messi threads a precise ball between New York’s defenders to Mateo Silvetti, who finishes calmly from close range. A superb sequence puts Miami firmly in command.

We reach the midpoint of the second half, and the match has shifted into a tight, physical battle in midfield. Clear chances have been scarce, with both sides locked in duels and struggling to break lines. Lionel Messi draws a foul from Kevin O'Toole during one of Miami’s rare forward moves, and the New York defender earns a yellow card for the challenge.

New York continue adjusting their attack. Agustin Ojeda exits the match, and Julian Fernandez comes on as the visitors search for more creativity in the final third.

Inter Miami adjust their back line with a pair of substitutions. Marcelo Weigandt and Noah Allen come off, while Ian Fray and Yannick Bright enter the match.

New York make their first change of the night. Jonathan Shore comes off, and Hannes Wolf enters the match as the visitors look for a spark in the second half.

Inter Miami nearly restore their two-goal cushion with another sharp attacking sequence. Jordi Alba delivers a perfect cross from the left, finding Tadeo Allende in stride. The forward meets it with a strong header, but the attempt drifts just wide of the far post.

A disastrous sequence at the back from Inter Miami almost gifts New York City FC an equalizer. Rios Novo misjudges his clearance, the ball falls into no-man’s land, and Maxi Moralez finds it at his feet with the goal wide open. Instead of shooting, he opts for a poorly chosen pass, and the opportunity slips away. A massive let-off for Miami.

The action resumes at Chase Stadium as Inter Miami and New York City FC kick off the second half. Both teams return with urgency, knowing the next 45 minutes will decide who advances to the MLS Cup final. Stay tuned for every key moment.

The first half comes to an end at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami head to the locker room with the advantage after an intense, fast-paced opening 45 minutes, while New York City FC look to regroup and adjust for the second half.

The referee signals six minutes of stoppage time in the first half. Inter Miami and New York City FC will have a few more moments to push for another big chance before the break.

Despite New York City FC’s goal, Inter Miami show no signs of dropping their intensity or confidence. The hosts do not feel the pressure and continue playing as if they still held a two-goal cushion, displaying sharp passing, calm buildup, and precise combinations in the attacking third.

New York City FC pull one back after earning a free kick through Maxi Moralez. Moralez steps up to take it and delivers a precise ball into the box, where Justin Haak connects with a clean header to beat Rocco Rios Novo. The visitors cut the deficit and bring new life into the match.

Noah Allen goes into the book after mistiming his challenge on Maxi Moralez. The defender tries to step in to intercept, but Moralez slips past him, forcing Allen to commit the foul. The referee issues another yellow in what has become an increasingly physical match.

Nicolas Fernandez receives a yellow card after pulling his opponent by the arm and dragging him to the ground while they challenged for a header. The referee shows no hesitation as New York City FC pick up another booking in a heated first half.

New York City FC attempt to regain control by reestablishing their possession game and pressing high up the field, but Inter Miami’s intensity remains overwhelming. The hosts continue to win duels, attack in waves, and disrupt New York City FC’s rhythm. Beyond his two goals, Tadeo Allende has been the standout performer of the match so far, driving Miami’s tempo on both sides of the ball.

The match heats up just before the goal, with the referee handing out the first yellow cards of the night to Maxi Moralez of New York City FC and Marcelo Weigandt. Moments later, Inter Miami strike again. Jordi Alba delivers a precise cross into the box, and Tadeo Allende rises to head it home, completing his brace and pushing the hosts to a commanding lead.

The goal completely changes the rhythm of the match. After spending the opening minutes under pressure, Inter Miami now look energized and aggressive, pushing New York City FC back with sharp combinations between Messi, Silvetti, Alba, and Allende. The hosts are riding a clear emotional lift as they search for a second goal to stretch their lead.

Inter Miami break through with a brilliant play in transition. A deep pass finds Tadeo Allende, who holds off the New York City FC defender and unleashes a powerful strike to beat Freese and open the scoring. Sergio Busquets provides the assist as the stadium erupts.

Messi delivers a perfectly placed free kick into the heart of the box, finding Silvetti completely unmarked. But the forward mistimes his header and sends it well off target, wasting a golden opportunity for Inter Miami to take the lead.

Lionel Messi wins a foul after Nicolas Ezequiel Fernandez brings him down just outside the box. This sets up a dangerous free kick opportunity, and Messi stands over it with a real chance to test the New York City FC defense early.

After that early warning from Inter Miami, New York City FC take control of the ball with long passing sequences as they look for gaps between the lines. The visitors press aggressively whenever they lose possession, quickly winning the ball back and limiting Miami’s rhythm. New York City FC are one of the league’s top possession teams, and they are showing it early as they dictate the tempo.

Inter Miami create the first moment of danger with a quick connection between Allende, Messi, and Alba. Alba drives into space and sends a low cross into the box, but the play ends without a clear chance.

The match has officially kicked off at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami and New York City FC begin their battle for a place in the MLS Cup final as the crowd erupts behind them. Stay with us for live, minute-by-minute coverage.

Both teams have made their way onto the pitch and are lined up for the national anthem. The atmosphere inside Chase Stadium continues to build as Inter Miami and New York City FC prepare for kickoff in this high-stakes Eastern Conference final.

Both teams enter tonight’s game knowing only a win will keep their season alive. This matchup is a single-elimination showdown, with the winner advancing to the MLS Cup final and the loser beginning their offseason immediately. Inter Miami must win to secure a place in the league’s championship match and claim the Eastern Conference title.

If Inter Miami prevail, they will book their spot in the MLS Cup final and then wait for the winner between San Diego FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps from the Western Conference.

Chase Stadium hosts tonight’s Eastern Conference final matchup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 21,550-seat soccer-specific venue was built on the former site of Lockhart Stadium and serves as the home pitch for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, as well as Inter Miami II in MLS Next Pro.

The stadium functions as an interim home for the club while Miami Freedom Park is under construction and scheduled to open in 2026. The expansion franchise was approved with the condition that a permanent stadium would ultimately be built in the city of Miami, making Chase Stadium a key part of Inter Miami’s early history.

Here's Inter Miami's confirmed lineup against NYCFC!

Here's NYCFC's confirmed lineup against Inter Miami:

Lionel Messi is expected to play in tonight’s Eastern Conference Final against NYCFC. He trained fully all week, with no medical or disciplinary issues reported, and head coach Javier Mascherano is likely to include him.

Jon Freemon will serve as the referee for tonight’s Eastern Conference final matchup. He will be joined on the sidelines by assistant referees Micheal Barwegen and Jeremy Hanson, with Rubiel Vazquez acting as the fourth official. Michael Radchuk will oversee VAR duties, supported by assistant VAR Jonathan Johnson.

Inter Miami vs NYCFC will get underway at 6:00 PM ET (PT:3:00 PM)

Watch this  Eastern Conference final match between Inter Miami and NYCFC live in the USA on MLS League Pass on Apple TV.

Welcome to our live blog of tonight’s Eastern Conference final.

Inter Miami face New York City FC at Chase Stadium as Lionel Messi leads the hosts in their push toward the MLS Cup final. New York City FC arrive with confidence after a strong postseason run, while Inter Miami look to capitalize on home support and their recent form.

Stay with us for key information, match context, and minute-by-minute coverage throughout the night.