Inter Miami Clinch Playoff Berth With 2-0 Win Over NYCFC

First Half Goals Seal the Result

Inter Miami CF secured their place in the 2026 MLS playoffs after taking down New York City FC 2-0 at Nu Stadium on Wednesday night.

Germán Berterame put Miami ahead early. He connected with an assist from Luis Suárez and slipped the ball past NYCFC goalkeeper Matthew Freese. The strike ended a long scoring drought for Berterame, who had not found the back of the net since May 24 against the Philadelphia Union.

Rodrigo De Paul gave the home side a two goal cushion before halftime. He took a pass from Lionel Messi just outside the box and sent a rocket into the upper left corner of the net.

Clean Sheet and Playoff Return

NYCFC, sitting just outside the playoff spots, had an opportunity to pull one back late in the match. They won a penalty kick, but Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made the save to preserve the shutout.

The win lifted Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference table. The club now has 52 points through 29 matches. Nashville SC remains in first place with the most points in MLS.

Messi continues to produce at an elite level. He leads the Golden Boot rankings with 23 goals and also leads the league with 14 assists.

The reigning champions are officially back in the postseason. Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Inter Miami Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After missing the postseason in 2023 during Messi's first season, Miami has now made the playoffs in three straight years.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta United FC vs Inter Miami CF (MLS, Sat, 17 Oct): Atlanta United FC win 23%, draw 21%, Inter Miami CF win 56%; expected goals 1.39 to 2.24. Our safest pick: Inter Miami CF or Draw.

New York City FC vs LAFC (MLS, Sat, 17 Oct): New York City FC win 32%, draw 27%, LAFC win 40%; expected goals 1.23 to 1.41. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.