Fort Lauderdale, FL - In a dazzling display of sporting greatness, tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz was the guest of honor as Inter Miami secured the Eastern Conference Final title with a dominant 5-1 victory over New York City FC. The match, held at a packed Chase Stadium on Saturday, November 29, 2025, saw Alcaraz, the current world number one in men's tennis, present the trophy to Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi, creating a memorable moment that transcended sports.
Inter Miami's victory was comprehensive, with Tadeo Allende scoring a hat-trick and Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia adding to the scoreline. Allende's outstanding performance set a record, bringing his playoff goal total to eight, tying the record for most goals scored by a player in a single postseason. Justin Haak scored for New York City FC, but it wasn't enough to stop Inter Miami's dominant attack. With this win, Inter Miami secured their place in the MLS Cup final, marking their first-ever appearance in the competition. They will host the Western Conference champions, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, on December 6.
The presence of Carlos Alcaraz added an extra layer of excitement to the already celebratory atmosphere. Alcaraz, currently enjoying his off-season in the United States and preparing for exhibition matches in December, was invited to participate in the post-match ceremony. A keen soccer fan, Alcaraz accepted the invitation and was seen greeting several Inter Miami players, including Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez, before the trophy presentation.
The highlight of the evening was when Alcaraz carried the MLS Eastern Conference championship trophy onto the field and presented it to Lionel Messi. The two sporting icons shared a warm embrace, symbolizing a meeting of two of the world's most prominent athletes. This wasn't the first time Alcaraz and Messi had met; they previously shared a heartwarming encounter at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards.
The moment quickly went viral, with fans across social media expressing their excitement and admiration for both athletes. Alcaraz also received a personalized "Carlitos 99" Inter Miami jersey as a memento of the special night. Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, praised his team's performance and acknowledged the contributions of former coach Gerardo Martino in building the team's identity. He highlighted the team's unity and determination, which have propelled them to the verge of playing the game they dreamed of, at home, with their fans. As Inter Miami prepares to host the MLS Cup final, the team and its fans will cherish the memory of this historic night, marked by a dominant victory and the presence of a true tennis superstar.
