EVERY HISBAH OFFICER IS A PEACE AND SECURITY AMBASSADOR IN HIS COMMUNITY.(PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are one step closer to MLS glory, with longtime Messi teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also making memorable contributions before their planned retirements at the end of the season.
Tadeo Allende scored a hat trick, with Alba and Busquets assisting on his first two goals, as Inter Miami rolled past New York City FC 5-1 on Saturday to claim the Eastern Conference title and secure a spot in the MLS Cup final. Mateo Silvetti added a goal in the 67th minute from a Messi setup, marking the 405th assist of Messi’s career, widely regarded as the most in soccer history. Telasco Segovia made it 4-1 in the 83rd minute with a finish from Alba’s heel pass, and Allende completed his hat trick in the 89th minute.
“We have reached the final with a brotherhood of moving forward," said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. “The power of one group can overcome many things.” Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz presented the East trophy before it was handed to Messi, followed by celebrations with fireworks, confetti, and photos. Despite the triumph, it was clear this wasn’t the club’s ultimate goal.
Inter Miami, the No. 3 seed in the East, will host Vancouver on Dec. 6 for the MLS Cup. Vancouver had defeated San Diego 3-1 to win the Western Conference title. This marks Inter Miami’s first appearance in the MLS final, having never progressed beyond the opening postseason round in its first five seasons. Messi’s team went 0-2 against Vancouver this year, losing both legs of a CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal 5-1 on aggregate.
Justin Haak scored for NYCFC, which finished 0-2-1 against Inter Miami this season. The win continues Inter Miami’s rise since Messi joined midway through the 2023 season, when the club was at the bottom of the MLS standings and enduring an 11-game winless streak. Since then, the team has won the 2023 Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield, while Messi has brought global attention to the club and is set to remain through 2028.
Messi briefly went down in the ninth minute after a blow to the head but quickly returned to the field. Inter Miami scored its first goal when Allende converted a pass from Busquets. Alba assisted on Allende’s header for the second, and Messi set up Silvetti for the third. From there, Inter Miami controlled the match and celebrated a dominant finish.
“This is a very satisfying result, but the work continues," Allende said. "There is still work to do, but happy with what we have accomplished.”
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