Early in the match play is delayed due to a knock to Lionel Messi, briefly halting Inter Miami’s momentum before he continues. The incident underscores how closely NYCFC are marking him from the opening minutes.

Messi wins a free kick in the attacking half after carrying the ball forward and drawing a foul from NYCFC’s defense. His close control forces the opponents to stop him illegally to prevent a dangerous attack.

Messi delivers a precise ball into the box that finds Mateo Silvetti, whose header is saved by Matt Freese. Though it doesn’t result in a goal, the sequence shows Messi’s vision in creating a clear scoring chance.

Messi is caught offside as Inter Miami try to break NYCFC’s back line, halting a promising attacking move before he can get a shot away. The flag stops what looked like a dangerous run in behind.

Deep in his own half, Messi drops back to help defensively and wins a free kick, relieving pressure on Inter Miami. His composure on the ball under NYCFC’s press helps the team reset.

Messi sets up Inter Miami’s third goal with a clever pass to Mateo Silvetti, who finishes with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner from the center of the box. The combination briefly gives Miami a 3–1 lead in the MLS Cup final.

Messi commits a foul in midfield, stopping an NYCFC move and drawing the referee’s attention, though it does not escalate to a booking. The challenge reflects his willingness to engage physically to disrupt the opposition.

From a corner routine, Messi swings in a cross that finds Jordi Alba on the left side of the box, but Alba’s left-footed shot drifts wide to the right. The well-worked chance highlights Messi’s set-piece delivery even though the finish is off target.