What a night. Seriously, what an absolutely unforgettable night for Inter Miami. On Saturday, November 29, 2025, they didn't just win the Eastern Conference Final; they made a massive statement, demolishing New York City FC with a stunning 5-1 scoreline. The atmosphere at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida was electric as Miami punched their ticket to the MLS Cup final in the most dominant way possible.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Inter Miami secured a massive 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the MLS Eastern Conference Final.
- ✓ The hero of the night was Allende, who delivered an incredible hat-trick to power his team to the win.
- ✓ Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul described the win as a "huge emotion" and the performance as a "perfect game."
- ✓ With the victory, Inter Miami will now host the MLS Cup final against Vancouver.
- ✓ De Paul praised teammate Lionel Messi, calling him "the greatest of all time" who simply needs to be enjoyed.
A Flawless Performance on the Biggest Stage
When the stakes are this high, you hope your team shows up. Well, Inter Miami didn't just show up—they put on a masterclass. From the opening whistle, there was a sense that this was their game to lose, and they played with a level of confidence and precision that left New York City scrambling for answers. It was a complete performance, a tactical clinic that unfolded in front of a roaring home crowd.
The man of the hour was undoubtedly Allende. Scoring a hat-trick in any match is special, but to do it in a conference final? That's the stuff of legends. Every time he touched the ball in the final third, it felt like something incredible was about to happen. His clinical finishing was the driving force behind the lopsided score, dismantling the opposition's defense piece by piece and cementing his place in club history.
This wasn't just a win; it was a coronation. Securing the Eastern Conference title this way sends a clear message to the rest of the league. Inter Miami is not just a team of big names; they are a cohesive, powerful unit with a clear goal in mind: to lift the MLS Cup. The 5-1 result is a testament to their preparation, talent, and unwavering focus on the ultimate prize.
De Paul: The Engine and the Orator
While Allende was scoring the goals, Rodrigo De Paul was pulling the strings in the midfield. His post-game interview with Apple TV gave us a fantastic window into the team's mentality. You could hear the passion in his voice as he talked about the "enormous happiness" he felt. For him, this victory wasn't just a single result; it was the culmination of a season's worth of dedication and hard work.
De Paul emphasized the seriousness with which the team approaches every single match. He mentioned that they prepare for each game "with the importance it has," understanding that every step, every win, builds toward the next. He perfectly summed up the night's performance by saying, "Today was a perfect game." No one who watched would disagree with that assessment.
His words also reflected a deep sense of purpose. He didn't just come to Miami to play; he came to win. "I came to this club to try to win titles and compete," he stated, reflecting on their near-miss in the Leagues Cup and the renewed determination it gave the squad. Now, with another final on the horizon, his happiness and focus are palpable.
On Sharing the Field with a Legend
Of course, no conversation about this Inter Miami team is complete without mentioning its captain, Lionel Messi. When asked about what the iconic number 10 brings to the team, De Paul's response was simple, yet profound. He didn't try to over-analyze it or break down his technical skills. Instead, he spoke with the reverence of someone who knows they're witnessing history every single day.
"There's no explanation, you have to enjoy him," De Paul said. "You have to sit down and enjoy the greatest of all time." It’s a sentiment that echoes what fans around the world feel. Having Messi on the pitch elevates everyone around him, and his presence is a key part of the "clear idea" of making history that De Paul spoke so passionately about. It's a privilege, and the players clearly don't take it for granted.
One More to Go: The MLS Cup Final Awaits
So, what's next? The job isn't finished. After conquering the East, Inter Miami now sets its sights on the ultimate prize. They will face Vancouver in the MLS Cup final. The best part? They'll get to do it right at home, in front of the very same fans who cheered them on to this massive victory. The energy is going to be off the charts.
The final is set for next Saturday, and the team is already brimming with anticipation. De Paul himself couldn't hide his excitement, saying, "It's a huge pleasure to play in front of this crowd." This isn't just another game. It's the culmination of an entire season's journey, a chance to etch their names into the history books and bring the most coveted trophy in American soccer to South Florida. All eyes will be on them as they look to complete their historic run.
Conclusion
In the end, the Eastern Conference Final was a showcase of everything Inter Miami has become: a team that is powerful, focused, and playing with a historic sense of purpose. The 5-1 thrashing of New York City, fueled by a legendary hat-trick from Allende and anchored by the leadership of players like Rodrigo De Paul, was the perfect way to book their spot in the MLS Cup final. Now, only one opponent, Vancouver, stands between them and the championship trophy. One more perfect game is all it will take.
