Messi Inspires Inter Miami to First-Ever MLS Cup Title With 3–1 Win Over Vancouver

Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance to guide Inter Miami to their maiden MLS Cup triumph, a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in Fort Lauderdale. The Argentine superstar assisted two goals and was instrumental in another, earning the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player award.

“This is the moment that I’ve been waiting for, and that we as a team have been waiting for,” Messi said, celebrating with Miami fans at a packed Chase Stadium.

How the Match Unfolded

• Miami struck early when Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo turned the ball into his own net in the 8th minute.

• Vancouver, led by veteran Thomas Müller, equalised through Ali Ahmed in the 60th minute and nearly took the lead when Emmanuel Sabbi’s shot rattled both posts moments later.

• A costly mistake by Vancouver midfielder Andres Cubas proved decisive. Cubas dwelled too long on the ball and was dispossessed by Messi, who then set up Rodrigo De Paul to restore Miami’s lead.

• In stoppage time, Messi played in Tadeo Allende, who sealed the victory and sparked the celebrations.

Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen admitted his side failed to recover after Miami’s second goal: “We made a few mistakes and they took advantage… when you play Miami, they have the players to take advantage of these moments.”

A Milestone for Inter Miami

The win is a landmark achievement for the club, founded in 2020. Co-owner David Beckham, visibly emotional, said:
“There were a lot of sleepless nights, but I always believed… We promised our fans success and the best players, and today we’ve achieved that.”

A Farewell for Legends

The victory also served as a fitting farewell for Messi’s former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who are retiring after the season.
Messi said: “We say goodbye in the best way to two of the best players in football’s history.”