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Inter Miami vs. NYCFC live score: MLS Cup playoff result, updates, stats from Eastern Conference final 2025

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Lionel Messi is nearing the finish line as he chases his first career MLS title with Inter Miami, taking on NYCFC in the Eastern Conference final.

The Herons trounced FC Cincinnati 4-0 in the conference semifinals as Messi scored the first goal and then assisted each of the next three, a sensational showing that was one of the all-time performances in MLS playoff history.

The matchup against NYCFC will be difficult, even as the visitors from up north are shorthanded with a few key players absent.

The fifth place finishers in the East toppled the Supporters’ Shield winning Philadelphia Union in the semifinals, winning 1-0 behind a masterclass from goalkeeper Matt Freese, who has established himself as the No. 1 for the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Sporting News is following the Inter Miami vs. NYCFC match live, providing score updates, commentary, and analysis.

Inter Miami vs. NYCFC score

	Score (Pregame)	Goal scorers
Inter Miami	–	–
NYCFC	–	–

Location: Chase Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
Referee: Jon Freemon

Keep track of every game and every goal via SN’s live Premier League scoreboard

Starting lineups (predicted):

Inter Miami (4-3-3, right to left): Novo (GK) — Weigandt, Falcon, Allen, Alba — De Paul, Busquets, B. Rodriguez — Allende, Messi, Silvetti.

NYCFC (4-4-2, right to left): Freese (GK) — Gray, Martins, Haak, Raul — Ojeda, Shore, O’Toole, Wolf — N. Fernandez, Moralez.

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Inter Miami vs. NYCFC live updates, highlights from MLS Cup playoffs

2 hours to kickoff: Lionel Messi, at 38 years old, is racking up milestones as he continues to shine for Inter Miami. The Argentine legend reached 1,300 goal contributions in his career after four in the Eastern Conference semifinal win over FC Cincinnati.

🚨🇦🇷 Leo Messi reaches 1300 G/A in his career with 896 goals and 404 assists.

Three assists, one goal tonight in MLS Playoff key game for Inter Miami. pic.twitter.com/3kT27KN7uV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 24, 2025

Inter Miami vs. NYCFC kick off time

The 2025 MLS Eastern Conference final kicks off from Chase Stadium on Saturday, November 29 at 6 p.m. local time in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Here’s how that time translates across North America:

	Date	Kickoff time
Eastern Time	Sat, Nov. 29	6 p.m. ET
Central Time	Sat, Nov. 29	5 p.m. CT
Mountain Time	Sat, Nov. 29	4 p.m. MT
Pacific Time	Sat, Nov. 29	3 p.m. PT

Inter Miami vs. NYCFC lineups, team news

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano made the bold decision to sit Luis Suarez in the semifinal against FC Cincinnati paid off, as his replacement Mateo Silvetti scored a goal in a 4-0 win. Suarez is likely to be on the bench today again as he manages his chronic knee issue.

The only lineup question for Mascherano today is whether to go with Marcelo Weigandt or Ian Fray at right-back, with the latter returning to training from injury.

David Ruiz is training separately as he returns from a hamstring injury, while Ryan Sailor remains out with a knee issue.

Inter Miami projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Novo (GK) — Weigandt, Falcon, Allen, Alba — De Paul, Busquets, B. Rodriguez — Allende, Messi, Silvetti.

Inter Miami subs: (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)

Talisman striker Alonso Martinez suffered a knee injury while on international duty a few weeks ago and remains out after having meniscus surgery. As such, they’re relying on 38-year-old club legend Maxi Moralez who scored in the semifinal upset over the Supporters’ Shield winners.

Keaton Parks has been out since the summer after having surgery to address a history of blood clot problems.

NYCFC projected starting lineup (4-4-2): Freese (GK) — Gray, Martins, Haak, Raul — Ojeda, Shore, O’Toole, Wolf — N. Fernandez, Moralez.

NYCFC subs: (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)