Lionel Messi Delivers: Inter Miami Wins First-Ever MLS Cup in Thrilling Final

 

​The mission is complete. Lionel Messi cemented his legacy in Major League Soccer (MLS) by spearheading Inter Miami CF to their first-ever MLS Cup championship in a spectacular 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The final, held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, was a dazzling display of world-class football that provided the ultimate vindication for co-owner David Beckham’s vision of turning the expansion club into a champion.

​Messi’s Masterclass: Two Assists and a Catalyst

​While the scoreboard shows a 3-1 victory, the match was a tightly contested affair that required the genius of the Argentine maestro to break the deadlock. Inter Miami initially took the lead via an early own goal from Edier Ocampo, but the Vancouver Whitecaps, led by German legend Thomas Mueller, fought back fiercely and equalized in the second half through Ali Ahmed.

​The tension peaked when Vancouver almost took the lead, with a shot crashing off both posts. However, the turning point came from a critical Whitecaps blunder. Midfielder Andres Cubas was dispossessed by a quick-thinking Messi, who immediately skipped clear and delivered a crucial pass to his international teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, who finished clinically to put Miami up 2-1.

​Messi was not finished, providing a second direct assist in injury time, setting up Tadeo Allende for the final goal that sealed the 3-1 win and ignited wild celebrations among the rapturous home crowd. In total, Messi provided two official assists and was instrumental in creating the other goal, demonstrating his profound impact on the team’s success.

​A Legacy Cemented for Beckham and Miami

​The victory marks the crowning achievement since Inter Miami—which only joined the league in 2020—successfully signed Messi in 2023. This title fulfills the long-term promise of co-owner David Beckham, who expressed his belief after the match: “We always promised our fans that we would bring success, and bring the best players, and today we've achieved that.”

​The MLS Cup victory also serves as the final chapter for two Spanish international legends, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who headed into retirement following this historic accomplishment, closing out a golden era that brought Inter Miami to the very top of Major League Soccer.