Inter Miami finally won their first MLS Cup title—and Lionel Messi was the expected leader. The Argentine star played a key role in Saturday night’s 3-1 final victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at home at Chase Stadium, assisting on two goals in the match.
Messi has given the club a new identity on the world stage since joining Miami in 2023. This time, it was with his help that the David Beckham-owned club, despite starting its journey just four years ago, lifted the title for the first time.
The victory took Messi’s total of club and international titles to 48, once again placing him at a unique height in contemporary football. He was also named MLS Cup Player of the Year.
Miami got lucky early in the match. In the eighth minute, Vancouver’s Eddie Ocampo miscued a shot by Tadeo Allende and sent the ball into his own net, setting the pace for the final.
Miami’s title marks a new chapter not only for the club, but also for the MLS league—where Messi’s presence still serves as the league’s biggest attraction.