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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi delivered a dazzling performance as the club secured their first-ever MLS Cup title with a 3–1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in Florida on Saturday night.
The Argentine icon was central to Miami’s success, creating two goals and playing a decisive role in another as the hosts completed a memorable night in front of a jubilant crowd at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. His display earned him the MLS Cup’s Most Valuable Player award.
Messi said the triumph marked the realisation of a long-held dream both for himself and his teammates, describing the title as the reward for years of hard work and belief within the squad.
Miami struck first when Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo turned the ball into his own net in the opening minutes, but the contest swung back in the visitors’ favour when Ali Ahmed equalised shortly after the interval.
Vancouver nearly went ahead minutes later when Emmanuel Sabbi’s fierce shot struck both posts, denying the Canadians what could have been a crucial goal as Miami momentarily wobbled.
However, just as the Whitecaps were building momentum, a costly mistake changed the course of the match.
Midfielder Andrés Cubas lost possession under pressure from Messi, allowing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to surge forward and set up Rodrigo De Paul for the decisive second goal.
In stoppage time, Messi wrapped up the victory by threading a precise pass through to Tadeo Allende, who finished calmly to seal Miami’s 3–1 win and trigger celebrations across the stadium.
The breakthrough league title marked a major milestone for club co-owner David Beckham, whose vision for success in Miami has finally been fulfilled.
The former England captain said the achievement vindicated years of planning and persistence, adding that the club had always promised supporters trophies and top-class players.
Vancouver coach Jesper Sorensen admitted his side never fully recovered from conceding De Paul’s goal, despite having dominated large spells of the second half.
He said small errors proved fatal against a team packed with elite talent, acknowledging that Miami had the quality to punish every lapse in concentration.
The victory capped a remarkable rise for Inter Miami, who only joined Major League Soccer as an expansion franchise in 2020 and transformed their fortunes following Messi’s arrival in 2023.
The final also served as an emotional farewell for Spanish veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who played their last matches before retirement.
Messi paid tribute to his long-time Barcelona teammates, describing the night as the perfect send-off for two players he called among the greatest the sport has ever known.
