Inter Miami are MLS Cup champions after a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, celebrated the 48th title of his professional career as the Herons overcame a spirited Vancouver side in a match that answered doubts about the squad.
Vancouver took the game to Miami for long spells, but an own goal from Édier Ocampo, set up by a sublime pass from Messi, gave the hosts the lead. The Whitecaps equalised in the second half through Ali Ahmed after a rare error from Miami's goalkeeper. However, Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's Argentina teammate who joined from Atlético Madrid mid-season, scored the decisive goal in the 71st minute following a turnover by Vancouver's Andrés Cubas.
Tadeo Allende made the game safe in stoppage time, finishing a brilliant lobbed assist from Messi to spark wild celebrations. Coach Javier Mascherano sprinted onto the pitch, kissed the grass, and celebrated as if he were a player again. The victory caps a gruelling 2025 season in which Miami played an MLS-record 58 games across five competitions.
The win was especially poignant as it was the last match at Chase Stadium, Miami's temporary home. Next year, the club will move to Miami Freedom Park, where they will begin their title defence. The atmosphere was fuelled by a passionate crowd, including celebrities like Whitecaps minority owner Steve Nash, mixing with autograph seekers in the temporary stands.
