Lionel Messi played a key role in Rodrigo De Paul’s goal, while German Berterame ended his scoring drought as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday to clinch a place in the MLS playoffs.

The win marked Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez’s first consecutive victories since taking charge as head coach last month. Second-placed Inter Miami are now guaranteed at least a spot in the wild-card round, with five regular-season matches remaining.

“I’m leaving happy. Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said.

Lionel Messi, who scored twice on Saturday after rejoining his club following an emotional farewell with Argentina last week, once again proved influential, contributing to both of Miami’s first-half goals.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Messi controlled the ball just outside the penalty area before finding Rodrigo De Paul. The midfielder then sent a looping diagonal pass towards Luis Suarez near the byline.

Suarez delivered a low ball across the goalmouth, allowing German Berterame to finish from close range and score his first goal since May.

De Paul doubled Inter Miami’s advantage with a swift counterattack, scoring with the final kick of the first half. Berterame carried the ball beyond the halfway line before a slightly misdirected pass unexpectedly found Messi on his right.

Messi attracted three defenders before cleverly laying the ball off to De Paul with the outside of his left foot. The midfielder then unleashed a powerful shot high to the goalkeeper’s right, sealing Miami’s second goal.

Messi came close to adding another goal in a goalless second half, curling an effort from just outside the penalty area over the crossbar.

In the 90th minute, Messi took a short corner and passed to De Paul, who fired from outside the box towards the far top corner. However, United States international goalkeeper Matt Freese produced an outstanding diving save, tipping the ball onto the post.

New York City FC, who have managed just one victory in their last 11 MLS matches, had a late opportunity to score a consolation goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.

Ian Fray fouled fellow substitute Talles Magno after the forward turned sharply away from goal and caught the defender’s trailing leg.

But Dayne St. Clair came to Miami’s rescue with an excellent save, diving low to his right to push the penalty around the crossbar.

The result marked Inter Miami’s second consecutive clean sheet, following a run of 10 matches without one.

“I really liked how we handled dropping back into defensive shape. We didn’t get caught out on the counter and were very aggressive, breaking up plays whenever a sudden transition from them looked likely,” Gonzalez said.

“Perhaps our ball circulation was a bit too slow at times, but that’s just how the game played out.”

Although Eastern Conference leaders Nashville have established a significant advantage this season, the victory strengthened Miami’s hold on second place and improved their position to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.