30 Nov 2025
In a moment that combined sporting achievement with a touching family scene, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to the MLS Cup final after a resounding 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference championship game.
Despite not scoring, Messi delivered a pivotal performance, providing a brilliant assist for the third goal, scored by teammate Mateo Silveti, which effectively ended New York City FC's hopes of a comeback.
With this victory, the 38-year-old Messi and his team secured their first Eastern Conference title and qualified for the MLS Cup final for the first time in his career, where they will face Vancouver Whitecaps next Saturday.
But the spotlight wasn't limited to the pitch; it also focused on a touching moment: immediately after the final whistle, Messi went straight to the stands to embrace his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, who had come to the match to support her son. Messi and his mother shared a warm hug and a touching kiss, a scene that perfectly encapsulated the depth of their relationship and quickly went viral on social media.
Since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2013, Messi has won the League Cup and the Fans' Shield, but he has yet to reach the MLS Cup final.
It seems that "Leo" is determined to conclude his second season in the United States with a historic title that would crown his illustrious career.
