Inter Miami captured their first-ever MLS Cup on Saturday night, with Lionel Messi orchestrating a commanding 3-1 performance against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Florida.
The Argentine icon delivered two assists, played a decisive part in another, and lifted the atmosphere inside Chase Stadium as fans celebrated the club’s most important victory to date.
Miami moved in front after an early Edier Ocampo own goal, but were unsettled when Ali Ahmed struck an equaliser shortly after the interval. That moment threatened to turn the game, yet Messi’s influence shifted the momentum entirely. He set up Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul to restore Miami’s advantage, then provided the pass that allowed Tadeo Allende to secure the result in stoppage time.
The triumph served as long-awaited validation for co-owner David Beckham, who had envisioned a winning Miami franchise for years. Reflecting on the landmark night, he said, “There was a lot of sleepless nights, but I always believed,” noting that assembling the right team and attracting elite talent had always been central to his mission. “We always promised our fans that we would bring success, and bring the best players, and today we’ve achieved that.”
Vancouver, led by veteran German forward Thomas Mueller, appeared poised for their own breakthrough after recovering from Ocampo’s early mishap. Ahmed’s leveller in the 60th minute was followed moments later by Emmanuel Sabbi’s powerful strike, which rattled both posts before bouncing out, sparing Miami from conceding a second.
While Vancouver controlled possession and pressed forward with confidence, the match slipped away after a mistake from Andres Cubas. Delaying too long on the ball, he was dispossessed by Messi, who surged forward and created the opening for De Paul’s composed finish. Vancouver struggled to regroup after that setback, and their hopes faded entirely in added time when Messi released Allende to drive home Miami’s third.
This championship represents the highest point of Inter Miami’s rapid rise since entering MLS in 2020. The club’s decision to bring Messi to Florida in 2023 transformed its ambition into reality. The victory also marked the closing chapter for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, two former Spanish internationals who have been instrumental in shaping Miami’s identity and are now stepping into retirement.
What you should know
Inter Miami’s breakthrough title win reflects the club’s rapid transformation since joining MLS in 2020 and especially since signing Lionel Messi in 2023.
Messi’s two assists, plus his decisive role in the build-up to the third goal, showcased the influence he continues to wield at the highest level. Vancouver pushed hard and even came close to taking the lead, but a costly midfield error shifted the entire game.
David Beckham’s long-standing ambition for Miami’s global relevance became reality with this success, while veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets concluded their careers on a victorious note.
