MIAMI.- The Argentine star Lionel Messi This Wednesday he participated in the two goals with which the Inter Miami won 2-0 at New York City FCa victory that assured the “Herons” a place in the playoffs with five games remaining on the schedule.
With goals from the Mexican German Berterame (20′) and the Argentine Rodrigo DePaul (45+5), the Florida team sealed the victory in the Nu Stadium of Miami backed by a solid defensive performance, which allowed them to go two games without conceding goals for the first time this season.
“It is one of the first objectives that this club had,” said the team’s coach, Cristian “Kily” González, at a press conference. “We are in, but obviously we have to continue improving as a team.”
Messi reached 119 games with the American team and occupies second place on the club’s historical list, behind Noah Allen (133).
In a few weeks of work, “Kily” González has managed to get the best version of Miami in 2026.
“We were aggressive and cut the plays when something could happen, I am happy, obviously we have to improve many things, but little by little we are going,” said the coach.
The defensive gaps that did so much damage during the administration of Guillermo Hoyos have disappeared and other references in attack, such as the Uruguayan Luis Suarez and Berterame, contribute goals and assists.
“Relief”
Berterame precisely opened the scoring on a hot night in Miami. The former attacker Rayados de Monterrey He put the final touch on a great team play that began with a pass from Messi and continued with a brilliant assist from Suárez.
“I am very happy, it is a great relief,” Berterame commented in the mixed zone. “I work to give my best, I always try to score a goal, but I am on a team with top players.”
Berterame, 27, had not scored for Inter Miami since his double on May 24 against the Philadelphia Union.
Between one goal and another, “Berte” missed the World Cup 2026 with Mexico and was considered for the new process of the Aztec team led by the coach Rafael Marquez.
The second goal for the “Herons” came in stoppage time in the first half, when Messi once again appeared on the scene with an assist for his partner De Paul.
The world champion with Argentina in Qatar 2022 He shot from the edge of the area straight into the corner and left the American international goalkeeper with no chance. Matt Freese.
The New York team arrived in Miami beaten after having won just one of its last 11 games in the season. MLS.
Messi, who had just scored a double on the last date, reached 14 assists in the season and continues to inflate his candidacy for the award of Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2026 season.
With the victory of this day, Inter Miami reaches 52 points and remains second in the Eastern Conference14 units away from the leader Nashville.
In the table for the “Supporters’ Shield”, which combines both conferences and defines places for international competitions, it is third.
