Mascherano: Miami have not achieved anything yet

Javier Mascherano insisted that his Inter Miami side must not get ahead of themselves, stating that they “haven’t achieved anything” yet.

Miami reached the Eastern Conference final after they thrashed FC Cincinnati 4-0 in the previous round, while they overcame Nashville SC 2-1 in their best-of-three series.

The Herons face New York City FC in the conference showpiece, with the visitors causing a shock when they defeated Supporters’ Shield winners the Philadelphia Union last time out.

Mascherano believes Miami must not look past the challenge that NYCFC pose, especially with their away record this postseason.

“We have competed well so far, but we haven’t achieved anything,” said Mascherano.

“Tomorrow’s game will be very complicated. We’re facing an opponent that’s earned the right to play the Conference Final. An opponent that’s won three playoff games on the road.”

“Our mentality and our vision for tomorrow have to be to go for it from the opening minute.”

Lionel Messi has directly contributed to 12 goals so far in the playoffs this season, setting a new MLS record.

NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen praised the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, but insisted Miami are not a one-man team.

“A lot of people can assume it’s Messi against all these other teams, but that’s not the case,” said Jansen.

“They have great players, whoever they want to play in the starting XI. And Messi is a league of his own. That’s clear.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi was directly involved in all four goals in Miami’s win over Cincinnati in the conference semi-final (one goal, three assists), marking the 40th time in his senior career for club and country that he has contributed to at least four goals in a match, and the first in a single-leg knockout match.

New York City FC – Maxi Moralez

Maxi Moralez scored the lone goal in NYCFC’s win over the Union in the conference semi-final, his 13th career goal contribution in the playoffs (six goals, seven assists).

Only Raul Ruidiaz (15), Nicolas Lodeiro (15) and Messi (14) have more postseason goal contributions than Moralez since he joined MLS in 2017.

MATCH PREDICTION – INTER MIAMI WIN

Miami, who have reached the first conference final in club history, are the first team in MLS history to win consecutive matches by four or more goals within a single postseason.

Miami have managed only two wins in 13 all-time meetings with NYCFC (D4 L7), though one of those victories came in the last meeting between the sides, a 4-0 road win on September 24.

However, Miami are unbeaten in five straight against NYCFC (W1 D4) since Messi arrived.

NYCFC have won all three of their away matches in this year’s playoffs, including a 1-0 victory at Philadelphia in the conference semi-final. No team in MLS history has won four consecutive road playoff games outright, including spanning multiple seasons.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 56.5%

Draw – 22.5%

New York City FC – 21.0%