MLS Cup: Messi, Miami into first final after 5-1 rout of New York

Lionel Messi

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano hailed Lionel Messi as "extraordinary" after the Argentine superstar steered the club into their first MLS Cup final with a 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC on Saturday.

A Tadeo Allende hat-trick and goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia sent a revitalised Miami roaring into Major League Soccer's championship game next Saturday at their home field here.

While Messi did not get on the scoresheet, the 38-year-old provided a crucial, classy assist for Miami's third goal scored by Silvetti that effectively killed off the game as New York chased an equaliser.

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