Messi Shines With Assist as Miami Storm Into MLS Cup Final:

Although Messi, now 38, did not score, he played a key role in Miami’s success. His brilliant assist for Mateo Silvetti in the second half helped secure Miami’s third goal, a moment that completely changed the momentum of the match. As New York pushed hard for an equaliser, Messi’s calm, clever pass gave Miami the confidence and control they needed. Mascherano, Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona and with Argentina, spoke highly of the star forward after the match. “Leo has accustomed us to the extraordinary,” he said. “He’s someone we will never see again. Even though he didn’t score today, he gave us peace of mind with that assist. Only he can see that kind of pass. It practically sealed the game.” Miami’s victory was powered by a spectacular hat-trick from Tadeo Allende, who has been in incredible form recently. Allende, who also scored twice in Miami’s 4–0 win over FC Cincinnati in the previous round, opened the scoring in the 14th minute. He doubled the lead with a strong header to make it 2–0, proving once again that he is one of Miami’s most important attacking players. New York City FC managed to pull one back in the 37th minute through Justin Haak, giving them a brief lifeline. They almost equalised in the 66th minute when Julian Fernandez forced a superb one-handed save from Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. That moment turned out to be crucial, as Miami immediately launched a sharp counterattack. In the quick move that followed, Rodrigo De Paul and Jordi Alba combined beautifully before Messi slipped a perfect pass to Silvetti, who fired the ball into the net for 3–1. From there, Miami never looked back. Telasco Segovia made it 4–1 in the 83rd minute, and one minute before full-time, Allende completed his hat-trick, sending the Miami fans into wild celebrations. This impressive win reflects Miami’s remarkable turnaround this season. Earlier in the campaign, the team looked disorganised and suffered several disappointing defeats. But Mascherano says the group has grown stronger together. “We reached the end of the season with a strong brotherhood,” he said. “Everyone works for the team, and it doesn’t matter who starts. The strength of this group is unbreakable.” Miami will now host the Vancouver Whitecaps in next Saturday’s MLS Cup final. Vancouver booked their place with a confident 3–1 win over San Diego in California, securing the Western Conference title. Led by former Germany and Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller, Vancouver showed they will be tough opponents. They also have the psychological advantage of having beaten Miami 5–1 on aggregate in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals earlier this year. In their semifinal match, Vancouver scored early through Brian White and forced an own goal from the San Diego goalkeeper just minutes later. White added another right before halftime. San Diego pulled one back through Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, but Vancouver stayed in control. San Diego’s Pablo Sisniega was later sent off for a foul on Ryan Gauld, ending any hope of a comeback. Next Saturday’s final promises to be an exciting showdown between Messi’s star-studded Miami and a confident, well-organized Vancouver side.Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Lionel Messi as “extraordinary” after the team reached their first-ever MLS Cup final with a dominant 5–1 win over New York City FC on Saturday. The game took place at Miami’s home ground in Fort Lauderdale, where the team delivered one of their strongest performances of the season.

SPORT