2025 MLS: Inter Miami and New York City FC Meet in Eastern Conference Final for MLS Cup Berth
The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Playoffs were paused due to the November international break but have since returned strongly.
Son Heung-min’s stellar performance—including a brilliant free-kick equalizer in second-half stoppage time—extended LAFC’s season and sent the match to extra time.
However, Vancouver Whitecaps FC ultimately prevailed in the penalty shootout, ending Son and his teammates’ campaign in disappointment while securing their first-ever Conference Final berth.
Lionel Messi then delivered a spectacular individual display, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists in Inter Miami’s 4-0 rout of FC Cincinnati. He extended his remarkable playoff record—having been involved in all 12 of Inter Miami’s playoff goals to date.
Sunday night’s match produced a major upset: Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union were defeated by short-handed New York City FC (NYCFC).
NYCFC’s star forward Alonso Martínez suffered an ACL tear while representing Costa Rica’s national team. Nevertheless, veteran Maxi Moralez scored the winning goal, and USMNT’s No. 1 goalkeeper Matt Freese made crucial saves to secure a 1-0 victory.
NYCFC will travel south to Miami for the Eastern Conference Final.
Meanwhile, the other Western Conference Final spot will be decided between San Diego FC and Minnesota United FC on Monday.
At this stage of the MLS Playoffs, the competition adopts a single-elimination format. The finalist with the best regular-season record will earn home-field advantage for the MLS Cup Final on December 6—held one day after the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.
If Inter Miami advances to the final, Messi and his teammates will claim home-field advantage, as their points total surpasses that of any other team in the Western Conference.
Match Schedule
10:00 PM ET on November 24: San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United FC
- Conference Finals (Single-Match): November 29-30
- 9:00 PM ET on November 29: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. San Diego FC/Minnesota United FC
MLS Cup: 2:30 PM ET on December 6
