Inter Miami is heading to its first-ever MLS Cup Final after a dominant 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final. The match, held at Chase Stadium on Saturday night, saw a hat trick from Argentine winger Tadeo Allende, propelling Inter Miami to the championship game.
Allende opened the scoring in the 14th minute, latching onto a clipped ball from Sergio Busquets and firing a low drive past NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese. Less than ten minutes later, he doubled the lead with a flicked header from a brilliant cross by Jordi Alba. Despite NYCFC halving the deficit in the 37th minute through a Justin Haak header from a Maxi Moralez free kick, Inter Miami maintained control.
The second half saw Inter Miami extend their lead, with Mateo Silvetti scoring in the 67th minute, assisted by Lionel Messi. This assist marked Messi's 405th career assist for club and country. Telasco Segovia then added another goal in the 83rd minute, finishing off a heel pass from Alba. Allende completed his hat trick in the 89th minute, sealing the comprehensive 5-1 victory. With this performance, Allende now has a league-leading eight goals in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Inter Miami, the No. 3 seed in the East, will host either San Diego or Vancouver for the MLS Cup title on December 6. This marks the first MLS final appearance for Inter Miami, who had previously never advanced past the opening postseason round in their first five seasons.
Tadeo Allende, the 26-year-old Argentine winger, has been a key player for Inter Miami since joining on loan from Celta de Vigo in January 2025. Born in Mina Clavero, Córdoba, Argentina, Allende began his career with CA Juventud Unida before joining Instituto's youth sides in 2017. He made his professional debut with Instituto in 2021 before moving to Godoy Cruz and later Celta de Vigo. In the 2025 regular season, Allende scored 11 goals and provided one assist for Inter Miami, often starting alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
The victory moves Inter Miami closer to another trophy, following their Leagues Cup win in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield as MLS' top regular-season team last year. However, there is a potential concern for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi faces a possible suspension for the MLS Cup final after an incident during the match against New York City FC.
