Messi’s Inter Miami beat New York City to reach third straight MLS playoff

Inter Miami secure third consecutive MLS playoff spot with 2-0 win over New York City FC.

The full report

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 (Major League Soccer) playoffs with a 2-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday.

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 of the competition in the United States, with five games left to play.

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.

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.