Inter Miami Wins MLS Cup as Messi Inspires 3-1 Victory

Inter Miami clinched their first MLS Cup title on Saturday, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in a final illuminated by the brilliance of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine star orchestrated the win with two assists and played a key role in the third goal, igniting celebrations at a packed Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Miami went ahead early through an Edier Ocampo own goal, but Vancouver equalized in the second half via Ali Ahmed. Messi then set up international teammate Rodrigo De Paul to restore Miami’s lead before assisting Tadeo Allende’s stoppage-time clincher.

The triumph fulfilled a long-held vision for co-owner David Beckham, who remarked after the match: “There was a lot of sleepless nights, but I always believed. We always promised our fans that we would bring success, and bring the best players, and today we’ve achieved that.”

Vancouver, led by German veteran Thomas Müller, appeared poised to take control after leveling the score and nearly went ahead when Emmanuel Sabbi’s shot struck both posts. However, a costly error by midfielder Andres Cubas allowed Messi to steal possession and set up De Paul for the decisive goal.

The victory marks the peak of Inter Miami’s rapid ascent since entering the league in 2020 and securing Messi’s arrival in 2023. The match also served as a farewell for Spanish legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who retired after the final.