Kily Gonzalez believes Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are a perfect fit after the Argentine played a key role in the club securing their place in the MLS playoffs last night.

Messi created the second goal for former international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul, adding to German Berterame’s opener, as Miami beat New York City FC 2-0 at Nu Stadium. Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair preserved a clean sheet by saving Nicolas Fernandez’s penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

The defending MLS champions have now locked up a top-seven finish with five games to go as they look to become the first team to defend the crown since the 2011-12 Los Angeles Galaxy.

Messi’s assist was his 14th of the season, an MLS best along with his 23 goals.

“This is a club that looks after him and protects him,” González said of Messi, who last week played his final game for his country on an emotional night in Buenos Aires.

“His team-mates show him constant affection. They go all out for him and give everything they have. He pushes us to be better every single day and challenges us.”

Gonzalez making his mark in Miami

It was also a landmark night for Berterame, who netted his first goal since May, as Miami secured their second win under Gonzalez after he took over in September from Guillermo Hoyos.

“When you have players who are willing to buy into the vision you’re trying to implement, everything becomes easier,” González added. “We recognise the mistakes we’ve been making, or are still making, and we address them during training. And really, that willingness makes it much easier to convey clear concepts.”

It has not been a straightforward season for Miami but they will enter the post-season as one of the favourites. They now sit second in the Eastern Conference but still a whopping 14 points behind runaway leaders SC Nashville.

Next up for Miami is a trip to Atlanta United on Saturday night.