Inter Miami thrash New York City to clinch MLS playoff spot

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi set up a Rodrigo De Paul goal, and German Berterame snapped his scoring drought as Inter Miami booked their place in the MLS playoffs with a 2-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday night.

Victory gave Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez his first back-to-back wins since taking over as head coach last month, guaranteeing second-placed Miami at least a place in the wild card round, with five games left to play.

“I’m leaving happy. Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said after the game.

Messi – who had scored twice on Saturday after returning to his club side from last week’s emotional Argentina send-off – was again a dangerous presence, playing a hand in both first-half goals.

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In the 20th minute Messi trapped the ball just outside the penalty area and passed it to De Paul, who found Suarez on the byline with a diagonal looping ball.

Suarez rolled it flat across the face of the goal, giving Berterame a simple finish for his first goal since May.

De Paul grabbed Miami’s second on a quick counter with the final kick of the first half. Berterame brought the ball across the halfway line and was slightly fortunate to find Messi to his right with a mishit pass.

Messi drew in three defenders then laid it off with the outside of his left foot to De Paul, who slammed it high to the keeper’s right.