Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami crush New York City FC 5-1 to reach their first MLS Cup final, powered by Tadeo Allende’s hat-trick
INTER Miami powered into their first MLS Cup final with a commanding 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday.
Lionel Messi’s side will host the championship game next Saturday at their Fort Lauderdale home ground after a ruthless attacking display.
A Tadeo Allende hat-trick and goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia secured the comprehensive win.
Miami will face the winner of Saturday’s Western Conference final between San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps.
The result extends Miami’s dominant playoff form following their 4-0 demolition of FC Cincinnati in the previous round.
Allende, who also scored twice against Cincinnati, opened the scoring in the 14th minute by beating the offside trap.
A perfectly weighted Sergio Busquets pass sent Allende clear, and the winger held off Raul Gustavo before firing home.
Miami doubled their lead just moments later through another Allende header.
Jordi Alba’s pinpoint cross found Allende, who directed a superb header past stranded goalkeeper Matthew Freese.
New York pulled a goal back against the run of play in the 37th minute through Justin Haak’s header from a Maxi Moralez free-kick.
The visitors grew in confidence after halftime and nearly equalised in the 66th minute.
Julian Fernandez’s curling shot was brilliantly saved by Inter goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
Miami immediately counter-attacked, with Messi setting up Silvetti to rifle home Miami’s third goal just one minute later.
Segovia made it 4-1 in the 83rd minute before Allende completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute to seal the victory.
The win sparked wild celebrations among Miami players and fans ahead of their historic first MLS Cup final appearance. – AFP
