Lionel Messi provided an assist as reigning champions Inter Miami secured a place in the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night.

Rodrigo De Paul scored from Messi's assist, while Germán Berterame also found the net to seal the win for Miami.

Luis Suárez provided an assist as well, helping Miami record back-to-back victories for the first time since July.

Miami missed the playoffs when Messi joined the club in 2023. However, the team has qualified for the postseason in each of the past three seasons, losing to Atlanta United in the first round in 2024 before defeating Vancouver last year to claim the club's first MLS Cup title.

Wednesday's victory followed Miami's 4-0 win over DC United last Saturday, when Messi and Suárez scored twice each. It was also the second league victory for new coach Cristian "Kily" González, who took charge on September 16.

Berterame opened the scoring in the 20th minute with his eighth goal of the season. De Paul doubled Miami's lead just before half-time.

Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair saved a penalty from Nicolás Fernández in the final minute to secure his second consecutive clean sheet.

It has been a remarkable year for Messi, who led Argentina to its second consecutive World Cup final before announcing his retirement from international football a month later. He now has an opportunity to add another trophy to his collection.