History in the Making: Messi Breaks All-Time Assist Record as Inter Miami Cruises to First MLS Cup Final
FORT LAUDERDALE — It was a night destined for the history books at Chase Stadium. In a crushing 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final, Lionel Messi not only guided Inter Miami to its first-ever MLS Cup Final appearance but also cemented his legacy as the greatest playmaker the sport has ever seen.
With a sublime setup for Mateo Silvetti in the 67th minute, Messi recorded the 405th assist of his career, officially surpassing the long-standing unofficial records to become the undisputed all-time leader in assists in football history.
The “Unbreakable” Record Falls
While the night began with nerves, it ended in coronation. The milestone moment arrived midway through the second half. drifting into a pocket of space that only he seems to find, Messi drew three defenders before slipping a surgical pass to Silvetti. The finish was clinical, but the celebration was directed squarely at the captain.
The assist moved Messi past the legendary totals often attributed to Ferenc Puskás, setting a new benchmark for creativity in the sport. It was a fitting achievement for a player who has spent the 2025 season redefining what is possible in Major League Soccer.
Dominance in the East
While Messi claimed the individual headlines, the team performance was a frightening signal of intent to the rest of the league. Inter Miami didn’t just beat NYCFC; they dismantled them.
- Tadeo Allende was the primary beneficiary of Miami’s fluid attack, netting a spectacular hat-trick.
- Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets—playing in what is their final postseason run before retirement—controlled the tempo effortlessly, with Alba contributing two assists of his own.
- Telasco Segovia capped off the rout late in the game, turning the final ten minutes into a party for the home supporters.
“We have reached the final with a brotherhood,” said head coach Javier Mascherano after the match. “Leo has accustomed us to the extraordinary. Today he gave us peace of mind with an assist that only he can see.”
Impact Ratings: A Night of Excellence
The dominance of Inter Miami’s performance was reflected in the 365Scores Impact Ratings. Tadeo Allende’s hat-trick performance earned him an incredible 107.04 Impact Rating, the highest of any player in this game and the second best single-game rating of the entire MLS season, including the playoffs.
This immense score is second only to one other performance this year: Lionel Messi’s staggering 132.2 Impact Rating in the Conference Semifinals against FC Cincinnati. For the NYCFC match, Messi posted a solid 43.28 Impact Rating, reflecting his crucial playmaking role even on a night where others took the goalscoring spotlight.
The Final Boss: A Date with Müller’s Vancouver
The stage is now set for a blockbuster MLS Cup Final on December 6, and the narrative couldn’t be scripted better.
Inter Miami will host the Western Conference Champions, Vancouver Whitecaps, who defeated San Diego FC 3-1 earlier in the evening. But the headline isn’t just Miami vs. Vancouver; it is the renewal of one of football’s most storied rivalries: Lionel Messi vs. Thomas Müller.
The German legend, who joined Vancouver mid-season and sparked their improbable run to the final, will face Messi for the 11th time in their careers. Their meetings have been historic—most notably the 2014 World Cup Final—and Müller has historically held the upper hand (7 wins to Messi’s 3).
Now, in the twilight of their careers, on a new continent, they meet one last time with a trophy on the line.
What’s Next?
- Event: MLS Cup Final 2025
- Matchup: Inter Miami CF vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
For Inter Miami, the mission is simple: one more win to complete the treble (Supporters’ Shield, Leagues Cup, and MLS Cup). For Messi, it is a chance to settle an old score with Müller and deliver the one prize Miami has coveted since his arrival.
