Lionel Messi set up Rodrigo De Paul’s goal as Inter Miami secured a place in the MLS playoffs with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday. German Berterame also ended his scoring drought to help seal the win.
The victory gave head coach Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez his first back-to-back wins since taking charge last month, ensuring second-placed Miami at least a place in the wild card round with five regular-season games remaining.
“I’m leaving happy. Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said.
Messi, who scored twice on Saturday after returning from Argentina’s emotional farewell last week, played a key role in both first-half goals.
In the 20th minute, Messi controlled the ball outside the penalty area and passed to De Paul, who sent a looping diagonal ball to Luis Suarez near the byline. Suarez then delivered a low cross for Berterame to score his first goal since May.
Miami doubled their lead just before halftime through De Paul, who finished a swift counterattack after Messi drew three defenders and laid the ball off with the outside of his left foot.
Messi came close to adding a third in the second half, sending a curling effort over the crossbar. In the 90th minute, Matt Freese produced an excellent diving save to push De Paul’s long-range shot onto the post.
New York City, who have managed just one win in their last 11 MLS matches, earned a late penalty after Ian Fray fouled substitute Talles Magno. However, Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made a superb save to preserve the clean sheet.
The result marked Miami’s second consecutive clean sheet after going without one in their previous 10 matches.
Gonzalez praised his team’s defensive organisation, saying they had handled transitions well and prevented New York City from creating counterattacking opportunities.
The win strengthened Miami’s hold on second place in the Eastern Conference, securing a stronger position and home-field advantage heading into the playoffs.
Financial Mirror/AH
