Lionel Messi delivers bold message to Inter Miami ahead of 2025 MLS Cup after Eastern Conference win

Lionel Messi has guided Inter Miami to the best season in franchise history, lifting the MLS Eastern Conference title after a dominant 5-1 victory over New York City FC. Following the celebrations, the Argentine superstar raised expectations for his teammates as they prepare for the 2025 MLS Cup.

In front of a packed Chase Stadium, the Herons fed off their home crowd to secure a spot in the MLS Cup final. With Telasco Segovia and Mateo Silvetti each scoring once and Tadeo Allende netting a hat-trick, Inter Miami claimed the Eastern Conference crown with a 5-1 win, celebrating the trophy on the field with their supporters.

After celebrating with the conference trophy, Messi took on his social media to address Inter Miami fans and the locker room. “We still have one more step to go… Eastern Conference champions, but we still have the MLS Cup final ahead of us,” Messi wrote on Instagram, savoring the moment while setting the tone for Saturday’s championship clash.

Messi’s performance against the Boys in Blue was quieter than his previous outings in the 2025 MLS playoffs, but it was still enough to make history. With his right-footed assist to Silvetti, the Argentine broke Ferenc Puskás’ long-standing mark and became the player with the most assists in soccer history at 405, adding yet another milestone to his résumé.

Inter Miami to host the MLS Cup final vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

With both conference champions now set, Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps will meet in the 2025 MLS Cup. As the Herons finished third in the regular season with 65 points, the final will be played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

The showdown also brings another marquee matchup between legends: Lionel Messi vs. Thomas Müller. The German star has made an immediate impact in Vancouver, with the club losing only one of 14 matches since his arrival. Holding a strong personal record against Messi, Müller will be aiming to lift two trophies in less than six months in MLS.

Interestingly, the MLS Cup final is expected to be the last league match ever played at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami have already confirmed that their first game at the new Miami Freedom Park will be on April 4, 2026, on Matchday 5, meaning a victory on Saturday would provide a fitting farewell to the club’s first home.