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Inter Miami claimed their first Major League Soccer Cup title on Saturday night, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in a commanding performance at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the triumph through two assists and crucial attacking play.
The Argentine forward, who joined the expansion franchise in July 2023, capped his transformative impact on the club by guiding them to MLS's ultimate prize in just his second season with the team. The victory sparked celebrations among a capacity home crowd that witnessed Messi's creative brilliance unlock Vancouver's defense throughout the evening.
Miami's victory was built on persistence after Vancouver equalized in the 60th minute, with the hosts responding through goals from Rodrigo De Paul in the 71st minute and Tadeo Allende deep into stoppage time—both created by Messi's vision and passing.
The match opened favorably for the hosts when Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo inadvertently directed the ball into his own net in the eighth minute following sustained Miami pressure. The own goal gave Inter Miami an early advantage they would protect through the first half despite several dangerous Vancouver attacks.
Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka made multiple saves to keep his team within striking distance, denying Messi from distance in the 25th minute. The Whitecaps created opportunities of their own, with striker Brian White testing Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo and forward Emmanuel Sabbi hitting both posts in a dramatic 62nd-minute sequence.
Ali Ahmed drew Vancouver level in the 60th minute, finishing from the left side of the penalty area after combining with White to beat Rios Novo. The goal energized the visiting side and appeared to shift momentum, but Miami's response came swiftly.
Just 11 minutes later, Messi threaded a precise through ball to De Paul, who converted from the center of the box to restore Miami's lead. The Argentine midfielder's finish to the lower left corner gave Miami breathing room and demonstrated the team's offensive depth beyond their superstar talisman.
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With Vancouver pressing for a second equalizer, Messi delivered the decisive moment in the 96th minute of stoppage time. His assist set up Allende for a straightforward finish from the center of the box, sealing the 3-1 victory and touching off celebrations throughout the stadium.
The championship represents a remarkable ascent for Inter Miami, who entered MLS as an expansion team in 2020 and finished last in the Eastern Conference during their inaugural season. Messi's arrival transformed the franchise's fortunes, though he missed portions of this season due to international commitments with Argentina.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner previously led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and has won numerous domestic and continental titles with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
This MLS Cup adds an American championship to his extensive trophy collection while cementing his legacy-defining impact on soccer in the United States.
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