In a crowning moment of his American adventure, Lionel Messi has won his first big MLS trophy with Inter Miami.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence proved decisive against a resilient Vancouver Whitecaps side, turning the tide in a match that swung dramatically between the two teams.
This victory adds yet another chapter to Messi’s extraordinary legacy with the Florida club since his transformative arrival in July 2023.
Messi’s two assists secured Inter Miami’s first-ever MLS Cup title with a 3-1 win, marking the biggest trophy in the franchise’s brief history, launched by David Beckham in 2020.
The 44th major honour of his career—and third with Miami after the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield—came after an early own goal by Vancouver’s Édier Ocampo gave the hosts the lead in the eighth minute, only for Ali Ahmed to equalize in the 60th minute following relentless Whitecaps pressure led by Thomas Müller, as reported by ESPN
With the underdogs threatening an upset, Lionel Messi seized control in the 71st minute, stealing possession high up the pitch and threading a precise pass to Rodrigo De Paul for a composed finish that restored Miami’s advantage.
Deep into stoppage time, he struck again, assisting Tadeo Allende for the decisive 3-1 goal that sparked wild celebrations and chants echoing through the stadium.
The triumph carried extra emotion as it marked the final professional outing for Sergio Busquets, who took the last touch of his career before retiring alongside former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba under first-year coach Javier Mascherano.
Messi’s vision and clutch playmaking transformed potential chaos into glory, completing Miami’s journey from MLS basement dwellers to champions and underscoring his unmatched ability to elevate any team.
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