Inter Miami CF's triumphant 5-1 victory over New York City FC on Saturday night secured them the Eastern Conference title and a coveted spot in the MLS Cup final. The historic win at Chase Stadium was powered by a hat-trick from Tadeo Allende, along with goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia. With this victory, Inter Miami will host the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the MLS Cup on December 6, marking the first time the MLS Cup will be played in Florida.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz was in attendance and presented the Eastern Conference trophy to Inter Miami. The presentation served as a star-studded crossover moment, highlighting the global appeal of both Alcaraz and Lionel Messi, as well as Inter Miami's growing influence in the sports world. Alcaraz, who is enjoying his offseason after a stellar year in which he secured two Grand Slam titles and reclaimed the world number one ranking, took a brief break from his preparations for the 2026 tennis season to celebrate with the team.
Inter Miami's dominant performance against NYCFC was a testament to their growth and ambition since Messi joined the team in 2023. Allende's outstanding performance earned him the title of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Match. His hat-trick brought his playoff goal total to eight, tying the record for the most goals scored by a single player in a single postseason. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi's long-time teammates, contributed assists, underscoring their invaluable experience and chemistry on the field. Both Busquets and Alba are expected to retire at the end of this season.
The team's journey to the MLS Cup final is a historic achievement, marking their first appearance in the final after only five seasons in the league. Inter Miami has already secured the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024. The team's success has made its brand global. With a new stadium on the horizon near Miami International Airport and Messi signed through 2028, the future looks bright for the club.
The upcoming match against Vancouver will be a rematch of a recent CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final, where Vancouver won both legs. Inter Miami will be aiming to reverse that result and secure their first MLS Cup title.
