IMiami and Lionel Messi are preparing for one of the most important games in club history, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time, defeating Nashville SC and Cincinnati FC and facing New York City at Chase Stadium.
The Argentine has proven throughout the regular season and playoffs that he is one of the best players in Major League Soccer, and his performances for Inter Miami were enough for the Florida side to make history and qualify for the MLS Cup for the first time.
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Statistics that make Inter Miami the favorite over NYC FC in the Eastern Conference Finals
Lionel Messi had a great performance against Cincinnati, scoring one goal and providing three assists, increasing his career total to 404. Once again, he scored first, played a decisive role with pinpoint passes, and found space for convincing points, proving his quality to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
For New York, this latest statistic is a warning. Because not only do they have to make sure Messi doesn’t score, they also have to pay attention to the Argentine’s passing. Messi always creates game-changing goal chances and always finds the one that leads to an important victory with his teammates.
A reminder of this is what happened the last time the two sides met in MLS Round 34 in 2025. Inter Miami defeated New York 4-0 away, and Lionel Messi was the star of the show with two goals and one assist.
In addition to this match, there was another important match in which the Argentine played a crucial role with an assist, but ended in a crushing defeat. On May 4, 2024, Messi’s five assists led to a 5–1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, and on October 5, 2025, Lionel again provided three assists in a 4–1 victory over the New England Revolution.
When will the Eastern Conference Finals between Inter Miami and New York City FC take place?
Saturday, November 29th will be a decisive day for Inter Miami’s hopes and dreams of reaching the MLS Cup for the first time in their history, but to do so they must defeat New York City, who enter the playoffs without the title of favorites, but were able to defeat Charlotte FC and Philadelphia Union. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be played at Chase Stadium as a prelude to the MLS Cup. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps will compete for tickets.
