Inter Miami Secure MLS Play-Off Spot With Win Over New York City FC

Inter Miami have booked their place in the 2026 MLS play-offs after a 2-0 win over New York City FC at Nu Stadium on Wednesday.

Germán Berterame opened the scoring with a tap-in from a Luis Suarez pass, beating goalkeeper Matthew Freese. It was his first goal since late May. Rodrigo De Paul made it 2-0 before the break, swapping passes with Lionel Messi on the edge of the box and then curling a shot into the top corner. NYCFC got a late penalty, but Dayne St. Clair saved it to keep the clean sheet.

The win was only the second league victory for new head coach Kily Gonzalez, who took over in mid-September. He was pleased to reach the play-offs but said there is still work to do. 

"Well, [qualifying for the playoffs] was one of the club's initial goals for the season, and we're there, but we still need to keep improving as a team," Gonzalez told reporters after the game. 

"When you have players who are willing to buy into the vision you're trying to implement, everything becomes easier."

He said the team is working on its weak spots in training. "We recognize the mistakes we've been making, or are still making, and we address them during training. And really, that willingness makes it much easier to convey clear concepts."

Miami now sit second in the Eastern Conference with 52 points from 29 games, behind leaders Nashville SC. They are also defending the MLS Cup they won against the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2025.

Messi leads the league with 23 goals and 14 assists. He has had an emotional year, having retired from international football after helping Argentina reach a second straight World Cup final. Gonzalez spoke warmly about him. 

"This is a club that looks after him and protects him," he said. "His teammates show him constant affection. They go all out for him and give everything they have. He pushes us to be better every single day and challenges us."

Miami head to Atlanta United on Saturday looking to keep their run going, after a 4-0 win over DC United and this result against NYCFC. A good result there would help them chase Nashville for the top seed.

NYCFC, meanwhile, sit just below the play-off line and must quickly regroup for a tough home game against LAFC this weekend.