Inter Miami vs NYCFC at Chase Stadium in the 2025 MLS Eastern Conference Final on Saturday, November 29, with Lionel Messi’s star-studded side looking to reach their first-ever MLS Cup. Key battles between Inter Miami vs NYCFC that could decide the MLS Eastern Conference Final.
NYCFC have knocked out two higher seeds en route to this stage and now faces a blockbuster test in South Florida against the most attacking side in the league.
Inter Miami arrive in red-hot form after a 4–0 win over FC Cincinnati in the previous round — Lionel Messi created all four goals (1 goal + 3 assists) and has been central to Miami’s superb playoff momentum.
New York City FC pulled off an upset against top-seeded Philadelphia to reach this stage and will come in organized, determined, and confident despite a few missing players.
Inter Miami vs NYCFC – 2025 MLS Cup Date, Time, Venue
- Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT / 11:00 PM GMT / 4:30 AM IST (Sunday)
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Stage: MLS Eastern Conference Final – Winner advances to 2025 MLS Cup
Team Form & Path to the Final
Inter Miami
- Form: W–W–W–W (last 4 playoff matches)
- Last match: 4-0 win away at FC Cincinnati in Eastern Conference Semifinals
- Key players: Messi (goal, 3 assists in semifinal), Tadeo Allende (brace), Mateo Silvetti (first club goal)
- Notable:
- Messi leads the MLS in goals (35 in 32 matches)
- Inter Miami have outscored their opponents 12-1 in 3 playoff home games
- Swept Nashville in R1 Best-of-3 series
New York City FC
- Form: W–W–L–W (last 4 playoff matches)
- Last match: 1-0 win vs. Columbus in the East semifinals
- Goalkeeper Matt Freese: 3 clean sheets in 4 playoff games, 5 saves vs Columbus
- Road to the final: Beat Charlotte in R1 Best-of-3, advanced on away goals/shootout; eliminated Columbus and Philadelphia away
Inter Miami vs NYCFC Head-to-Head
- Series meetings (all comps): 13
- Inter Miami: 2 wins
- NYCFC: 7 wins
- Draws: 4
- 2025 regular season:
- Last meeting, Inter Miami won 4-0 away in September – Messi scored
- Inter Miami have only 2 wins in all previous meetings but carry form and home-field advantage
Inter Miami vs NYCFC Predicted Starting Lineups
Inter Miami possible starting XI:
R. Ríos Novo (GK); Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Rodrigo de Paul, Sergio Busquets, Baltasar Rodríguez; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi (c), Mateo Silvetti.
- Injuries / absences: David Ruíz (hamstring) and Ryan Sailor (knee) are currently out / sidelined. Reports indicate Mascherano left Luis Suárez on the bench vs Cincinnati despite him being available — Suarez may be in the squad but is not guaranteed to start.
New York City FC possible starting XI:
Matt Freese (GK); Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Justin Haak, Raul Gustavo (or Nicolás Fernández Mercau); Agustín Ojeda, Jonathan Shore, Kevin O’Toole, Hannes Wolf; Nicolás Fernández (or Julian Fernández), Maxi Moralez.
- Injuries / absences: Alonso Martínez (long-term), Malachi Jones, Jacob Arroyave and Keaton Parks have been out or doubtful at various points in recent weeks — NYCFC have navigated without some regulars but will miss depth in certain positions.
Key Players to Watch
Inter Miami:
- Lionel Messi: Conference final talisman, leads MLS in goals and assists
- Tadeo Allende/Allende: Lightning pace, semifinal brace
- Sergio Busquets: Controls tempo, springs attacks
- Luis Suárez: Big-match experience, tactical foil for Messi
NYCFC:
- Matt Freese: Crucial shot-stopper, playoff clean sheet king
- Maxi Moralez: Veteran playmaker, key for transition and set pieces
- Alonso Martínez: Leading scorer, must convert limited chances
Tactical Preview & Prediction
Inter Miami: Likely to dominate possession, relying on Messi to orchestrate and create for Allende/Suárez/Silvetti; look for wingbacks Alba and Weigandt to overload NYCFC’s fullbacks.
NYCFC: Will defend deep, attempt to frustrate Messi, and play on the counter. Success depends on Freese’s heroics and whether Martínez/Moralez/Ojeda can exploit transitional moments.
Messi magic and Allende’s pace likely to unlock a tight game. NYCFC will score on a counter but Miami’s home edge and star power should be decisive.
- Prediction: Inter Miami 2–1 NYCFC
How to Watch Inter Miami vs NYCFC 2025 MLS Cup
- USA: Apple TV MLS Season Pass / FOX Sports
- UK: Sky Sports / Streaming services
- India: Streaming partners (early morning, Nov 30)
- Canada: TSN
- Kickoff: 6:00 PM ET (local) / 11:00 PM GMT / 4:30 AM IST (Nov 30)