Lionel Messi scored his MLS-leading 23rd and 24th goals and added his 13th assist to power visiting Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night, clinching an MLS Cup Playoff spot.

Luis Suarez added his seventh goal late from the penalty spot in his return from a three-match suspension as Miami (16-6-7, 55 points) moved above NYCFC (16-10-5, 53 points) and Charlotte into third in the Eastern Conference.

Baltasar Rodriguez added his second goal for the Herons, who are now five points back of Philadelphia, the East and Supporters' Shield leader, with two matches in hand.

NYCFC saw a three-game winning streak snapped, while failing to score for the first time in 10 league matches and sliding down one spot to fifth in the East.

Sergio Busquets had two assists in Mi

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