Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are closing in on their first MLS Cup appearance, with the Argentine veteran showing no signs of decline at age 38. The team will face New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final at Chase Stadium on Saturday, hoping to secure a prestigious trophy to conclude their season.
Messi, having shattered MLS regular season records, has been pivotal in every goal Miami has scored during the playoffs. He not only leads the league with 29 goals and 19 assists but also has made remarkable contributions during the playoffs—12 in total, the most in MLS history.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 29
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -210; Draw +360; NYCFC +490
Messi’s exceptional performance in this playoff season, including six goals and six assists in just four games, underlines his impact. No player has been involved in every goal for their team during a playoff run until Messi’s recent achievements.
Moreover, Messi’s drive to clinch an MLS Cup remains a backdrop to his illustrious season, with Miami also looking to honor teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets as their careers edge closer to retirement.
While the playoffs have intensified for Miami, their past first-round exit from last season serves as motivation to claim a championship.
This season, Messi’s extraordinary contributions have uplifted expectations in MLS, revealing the potential for not just individual greatness but for the entire league.
