FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – It takes something special to steal the spotlight from Lionel Messi , especially in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

Inter Miami CF teammate Tadeo Allende did just that on Saturday.

Allende made history in the Herons’ 5-1 Eastern Conference Final rout of New York City FC , scoring his first career hat trick to tie the league record of eight goals in a single postseason as Miami booked their spot as hosts of MLS Cup presented by Audi on Dec. 6 against Western Conference champions Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV ; FOX, FOX Deportes; TSN, RDS).

“To play this way and score these goals with the team playing a great game, it’s very satisfying,” Allende told reporters post-match.

“… I’m enjoying it. It’s my first title [conference

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