Kily Gonzalez believes Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are a perfect fit after the Argentine played a key role in the club securing their place in the MLS playoffs last night. Messi created the second goal for former international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul, adding to German Berterames opener, as Miami beat New York City FC 2-0 at Nu Stadium. Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair preserved a clean sheet by saving Nicolas Fernandezs penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time.The defending MLS champions have now locked up a top-seven finish with five games to go as they look to become the first team to defend the crown since the 2011-12 Los Angeles Galaxy.Messis assist was his 14th of the season, an MLS best along with his 23 goals.This is a club that looks after him and protects him, Gonzlez said of Messi, who last week played his final game for his country on an emotional night in Buenos Aires.His team-mates show him constant affection. They go all out for him and give everything they have. He pushes us to be better every single day and challenges us.Gonzalez making his mark in MiamiIt was also a landmark night for Berterame, who netted his first goal since May, as Miami secured their second win under Gonzalez after he took over in September from Guillermo Hoyos.When you have players who are willing to buy into the vision youre trying to implement, everything becomes easier, Gonzlez added. We recognise the mistakes weve been making, or are still making, and we address them during training. And really, that willingness makes it much easier to convey clear concepts.It has not been a straightforward season for Miami but they will enter the post-season as one of the favourites. They now sit second in the Eastern Conference but still a whopping 14 points behind runaway leaders SC Nashville.Next up for Miami is a trip to Atlanta United on Saturday night. Topics Inter Miami CF Lionel Messi New York City FC If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Messi bags brace in first game since Argentina farewell Lauren Lister 11th October, 2026 Inter Miami v DC United: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as Messi returns to MLS Jon Fisher 9th October, 2026 It was an incredible road: Messi speaks out after Argentina retirement Tom Rostance 7th October, 2026 The GOAT: Lionel Messi reluctantly walks away from Argentina on emotional night in Buenos Aires Jon Fisher 7th October, 2026 Benin dont plan to mark Lionel Messi as defender reveals they want to give Argentina star the perfect send-off Jon Fisher 6th October, 2026 As Lionel Messi stands aside, we ask: Who is the best player in the world right now? Jon Fisher 6th October, 2026
