ESPN.com · Sep 25, 2025
Lionel Messi's brace helps Inter Miami clinch playoff spot
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Lionel Messi had two goals and an assist to reach 37 goal contributions this season and Inter Miami CF clinched a playoff spot with a 4-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night.
Miam (16-6-7), which won its third straight game, extended its league-leading goal total to 64 this season. Five of Miami's last six MLS matches have featured at least three goals, most recently a 3-2 victory over D.C. United.
After his first-half assist, Messi became the first player in MLS history to record at least 35 goal contributions in consecutive seasons. After two second-half goals, Messi became the fourth player in MLS history to record eight multi-goal games in a single season.