 "Lionel Messi has guided Inter Miami to their first-ever Eastern Conference title. Image: AP")
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, created new history on Saturday as they won their first-ever Eastern Conference title by beating New York City 5-1 and qualified for the MLS Cup Final for the first time. Some fans on social media have claimed that it was a record-extending 47th career title for Argentine football star Messi, but that’s untrue.
As FIFA doesn’t recognise the MLS Eastern Conference championship as an official title, Messi’s career tally still stands at 46. He would complete 47 career title wins if Inter Miami win the MLS Cup Final. Nonetheless, it was still a major victory for the club and the player, winning the Eastern Conference for the first time.
Messi makes 405th career assist in glittering night for Miami
New York City had a horrible night at the Chase Stadium on Saturday as Tadeo Allande scored a hat-trick. The first two goals came in the 14th and 23rd minutes and were assisted by Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Messi’s former Barcelona teammates, who would retire at the end of the season.
Silvetti scored in the 67th minute with an assist from Messi. It was the 405th assist for Messi across club and country matches, which is believed to be the highest for a player in football history.
Telasco Segovia scored in the 83rd minute with another assist from Alba, while Allande completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute. The only goal for New York came in the 37th minute by Justin Haak.
Inter Miami will play against the Western Conference title winner – either San Diego or Vancouver on 6 December in the MLS Cup final.
It will be the first MLS Cup Final for Miami, whose previous best was the opening postseason round. Since Messi joined the club, Miami has won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield as MLS’ top regular-season team last year.
At the time Messi joined Inter Miami, the team was at the bottom of the MLS standings. The revival of the club since the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner joined them has been nothing short of a fairy tale.