Inter Miami Clinches First MLS Cup Title with Messi's Heroics

Inter Miami CF secured their first Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup title on December 6, 2025, with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lionel Messi's pivotal role, providing two key assists, earned him the MLS Cup MVP award and underscored his significant impact on the league.

The match began with Inter Miami taking an early lead in the 8th minute when a cross from Tadeo Allende was deflected into the net by Vancouver's Édier Ocampo for an own goal. Vancouver responded in the 60th minute with an equalizer from Ali Ahmed. However, in the 71st minute, Messi intercepted a pass and delivered a precise through-ball to Rodrigo De Paul, who scored to restore Miami's lead. In stoppage time, Messi assisted Allende, who secured the final goal, sealing the 3-1 victory.

Messi's performance in the final was a continuation of his exceptional season. At 38, he became the first player to win the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award in consecutive years (2024 and 2025). During the 2025 season, Messi recorded 29 goals and 19 assists, nearly matching the MLS record of 49 goal contributions set by Carlos Vela in 2019. In the playoffs, he set a new single-postseason record with 15 goal contributions—six goals and nine assists.

Tadeo Allende also made history by scoring his ninth goal of the postseason in the final, setting a new MLS record for most goals in a single postseason.

Inter Miami's victory marked a significant milestone for the club, which was founded in 2018. Prior to this achievement, the team had secured the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024. The match also served as a farewell for veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who announced their retirements following the game.

Club co-owner David Beckham praised Vancouver’s performance and lauded Messi’s impact, acknowledging the challenging journey to this inaugural championship as a testament to the team's perseverance and vision.

Inter Miami's success, bolstered by international stars like Messi, Alba, and Busquets, underscores the increasing prominence and competitiveness of MLS on the global stage. The presence of such global icons has significantly boosted fan engagement, attendance, and viewership, contributing to the sport's growing popularity in the United States.

Achieving an MLS Cup title within seven years of inception highlights Inter Miami's ambitious vision and effective team-building strategies. Adding an MLS Cup to his extensive list of accolades further cements Messi's status as one of the greatest footballers in history.

As Inter Miami looks to the future, the club is slated to start the next season at their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, with a home opener against Austin FC on April 4.