Thu Sep 25 09:22:26 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text you provided:
**Messi Magic Leads Inter Miami to Dominating Playoff-Clinching Win Over NYCFC**
**NEW YORK, NY** – Lionel Messi delivered a masterful performance Wednesday night, scoring two goals and assisting on another, as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 victory over New York City FC at Citi Field. The win secures Inter Miami’s spot in the MLS Cup playoffs for the second consecutive year and propels them into third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Luis Suarez and Baltasar Rodriguez also found the back of the net for Miami, ending NYCFC’s three-game winning streak. Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, latching onto a pinpoint pass from Messi following a Sergio Busquets interception and clinical through ball.
The second half belonged to Messi. In the 74th minute, he expertly chipped the ball over NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese after a perfectly weighted pass from Busquets. He then sealed the victory in the 86th minute with a composed finish following a Marcelo Weigandt pass and a clever decoy run by Suarez.
Messi’s brace puts him atop the MLS goal-scoring charts with 24 goals in 23 games, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga. With three consecutive matches boasting at least one goal and one assist, Messi has emerged as a strong contender for the 2025 Most Valuable Player award. Inter Miami now sits with 55 points from 16 games, looking to make a deep run in the upcoming playoffs.
First Piper 