Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team after they defeated New York City FC 5-1 to reach their first MLS Cup final.

Tadeo Allende was the star of the match, scoring three goals. Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia also scored for Miami. Even though Lionel Messi did not score, he made a key assist for Silvetti’s goal, which ended New York’s hope of a comeback.

New York scored once when Justin Haak headed in a goal in the first half. They almost equalised later, but Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo made an important save. Miami then attacked again, and Messi set up Silvetti to make it 3-1. Segovia added a fourth goal, and Allende completed his hat-trick near the end.

Mascherano said Messi always does something special for the team, even without scoring. He also said the players stayed strong and worked together as one group.

Miami will now play the winner of the match between San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps in the final in Fort Lauderdale.

Elsewhere, Flamengo beat Palmeiras 1-0 in the Copa Libertadores final. Danilo scored the only goal in the second half. This gave Flamengo their fourth title and made them the most successful Brazilian team in the tournament’s history.