Messi overshadowed by unprecedented goal-scoring record in MLS Cup

07/12/2025 09:42:00 FieldFrenzy

Inter Miami secured the MLS Cup 2025 championship with a decisive win against Vancouver Whitecaps. The brightest star in this campaign was Tadeo Allende, an Argentine forward having his career-best season by setting a new record for goals scored in the Playoffs.

The final at DRV PNK Stadium became a “defining night” for Allende. His goal in the 90+6 minute not only sealed a 3-1 victory for Inter Miami, but also allowed him to surpass legend Carlos Ruiz as the top goal scorer in MLS Playoffs history.

Tadeo Allende của Inter Miami là cầu thủ ghi nhiều bàn nhất lịch sử MLS Cup Playoffs (Ảnh: Fox Soccer). — Tadeo Allende of Inter Miami is the all-time leading scorer in MLS Cup Playoffs (Photo: Fox Soccer).

Top goal scorers in MLS Cup Playoffs history:

Tadeo Allende – Inter Miami (2025): 9 goals

Carlos Ruiz – LA Galaxy (2002): 8 goals

Raul Diaz Arce – DC United (1996): 6 goals

Dejan Joveljic – LA Galaxy (2024): 6 goals

Robbie Keane – LA Galaxy (2012): 6 goals

Roy Lassiter – Tampa Bay (1996): 6 goals

Lionel Messi – Inter Miami (2025): 6 goals

During the championship run, Allende failed to score in only one match. He finished the Playoffs with 11 goal contributions (9 goals, 2 assists), a performance even Messi admired. The Argentine star consistently carried the team with outstanding displays:

Round 1 Best-of-3: Scored a brace against Nashville SC in a 4-0 win.

Eastern Conference Semifinals: Another brace versus FC Cincinnati, with Inter Miami winning 4-0 away.

Deciding match for MLS Cup hosting rights: Allende recorded his first career hat-trick as Inter Miami crushed New York City FC 5-1.

At the finalhe capped off the Playoffs with a decisive stoppage-time goal, officially bringing Miami their first-ever trophy.

Tadeo Allende ghi bàn tại MLS Cup Playoffs nhiều hơn cả Messi (Ảnh: X). — Tadeo Allende has scored more goals in MLS Cup Playoffs than Messi (Photo: X).

Few expected Allende, currently on loan to Miami from Celta Vigo, to deliver such a breakthrough season. In the 2025 MLS regular season, he scored 11 goals and made 1 assist in 31 games, but his Playoffs form truly transformed Miami into the top contender for the title.

After Lionel Messi helped the club win the 2023 Leagues Cup, Inter Miami finally reached the summit of MLS. Although Messi was not the main figure in the 2025 Playoffs, Allende’s presence turned the team into a more balanced and formidable unit than ever before.

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