Argentine superstar Lionel Messi steered Inter Miami into their first MLS Cup final with a 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC on Saturday.
A Tadeo Allende hat-trick and goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia sent a revitalised Miami roaring into Major League Soccer’s championship game next Saturday at their home field in Fort Lauderdale.
While Messi did not get on the scoresheet, the 38-year-old provided a crucial and classy assist for Miami’s third goal scored by Silvetti that effectively killed off the game as New York chased an equaliser.
“Leo has accustomed us to the extraordinary,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of his former Barcelona and Argentina teammate.
“He’s someone extraordinary, someone we’ll never see again. Today, perhaps we’re surprised that he didn’t score, but he gave us peace of mind with the third goal, an assist that only he can see. He practically sealed the game,” Mascherano added.
Miami will host the Vancouver Whitecaps in next Saturday’s MLS showpiece.
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