Lionel Messi Guides Inter Miami to Debut MLS Cup Final Following Dominant Defeat of New York
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano praised Lionel Messi as remarkable after the Argentine icon guided the side to their inaugural MLS Cup final via a 5-1 demolition of New York City FC on Saturday.
Tadeo Allende notched a hat-trick, with strikes from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia propelling a resurgent Miami towards the Major League Soccer title match set for next Saturday on their home pitch in Fort Lauderdale.
Although the 38-year-old Messi failed to find the net himself, he delivered a vital, elegant assist for Miamis third goal by Silvetti, which essentially ended the contest while New York sought a leveller.
Leo has got us used to the remarkable, Mascherano remarked about his ex-Barcelona and Argentina colleague.
Hes a remarkable figure, one we will not witness again. Today, we might be taken aback that he did not net, yet he offered us reassurance via the third goal, an assist only he could spot. He essentially wrapped up the match.
Miami will welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to next Saturdays MLS highlight event.
Vancouver, led by ex-Germany and Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller, progressed to the final through an impressive 3-1 triumph against San Diego in California on Saturday, securing the Western Conference title.
Messi and his colleagues enter the final full of assurance after yet another merciless, goal-filled rout that built on their prior 4-0 victory against FC Cincinnati in the earlier stage.
Allende, who netted twice against Cincinnati, remained central to Miamis offensive efforts.
The 26-year-old Argentine striker drew first blood in the 14th minute by smartly beating the New York offside line, then nodded in a fine second to extend the lead to 2-0.
New York responded with a headed effort from Justin Haak in the 37th minute, and nearly levelled when Julian Fernandez prompted an excellent one-handed stop from Miami custodian Rocco Rios Novo in the 66th minute.
That close call turned out to be pivotal.
Miami countered swiftly, as a smooth sequence involved Rodrigo De Paul and Jordi Alba linking up before Messi threaded a ball to Silvetti, who blasted in to make it 3-1.
Unbreakable
Segovia then removed all uncertainty with Miamis fourth in the 83rd minute, prior to Allende sealing his treble a minute before the end to ignite fervent celebrations.
The success positions Miami a single victory from achieving a stunning turnaround, after a campaign that seemed to spiral into chaos earlier amid a series of losses.
We grew stronger as a unit and arrived at seasons close with a real team spirit, where all contribute, regardless of who begins, Mascherano noted. We form a unit, and a units strength is unbreakable.
Meanwhile Vancouver, who overwhelmed Miami 5-1 overall in their April CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final clash, indicated readiness to challenge the talent-laden Florida team by producing a commanding performance to overcome San Diego.
The Canadian outfit enjoyed a perfect opening when Brian White slotted them ahead after just eight minutes.
Sustained Vancouver dominance led to an own goal by San Diego shot-stopper Pablo Sisniega three minutes on, and Whites second right before the interval pushed the score to 3-0.
San Diego sparked thoughts of a comeback when Mexican forward Hirving Lozano rifled a strike from distance in the 60th minute.
However Vancouver appeared more threatening in attack, and Sisniega received a red card for fouling Ryan Gauld after the Whitecaps man had bypassed him en route to goal.