Messi and Inter Miami handed MLS playoff advantage for final games

After Inter Miami’s historic 4–0 win over FC Cincinnati in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference semifinal, the team led by Lionel Messi already knows its opponent for the conference final. The Herons are now the highest-seeded team still alive in the postseason, which means that if they reach the 2025 MLS Cup final, the championship game would also be held at Chase Stadium.

Following the emphatic victory by Javier Mascherano’s side at TQL Stadium, Subaru Park staged the showdown between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC – a game in which the New Yorkers sprung a surprise. The winners of the 2025 Supporters’ Shield were eliminated by The Pigeons, securing home field for Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference title game.

This is, without question, an enormous boost for the pink-and-black club, as they will have their fans behind them when they face NYC FC in their first appearance in an Eastern Conference final. On top of that, the motivation of potentially hosting the league’s decisive game at Chase Stadium is impossible to ignore, especially as they prepare to bid farewell to the venue ahead of the opening of Miami Freedom Park in 2026.

On Saturday, November 29, Inter Miami will welcome New York City FC to Fort Lauderdale in a game expected to deliver plenty of drama as one of the two finalists for the 2025 MLS Cup is decided. Instead of traveling to face the powerful Philadelphia Union, who finished as the best team of the regular season, they will now play the conference final at home.

San Diego FC or Minnesota United

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Whitecaps knocked out Los Angeles FC and will face the winner of San Diego FC vs Minnesota United, to be played on Monday the 24th. The league’s newest franchise – enjoying a remarkable debut season – is aiming to punch its ticket to the West final, though Minnesota will try to spring a surprise at Snapdragon Stadium.

MLS postseason action continues at full throttle, and only one game remains before the league’s best four teams are set for the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. Vancouver Whitecaps, Inter Miami and New York City FC now await San Diego or Minnesota.