Inter Miami are MLS Cup champions for the first time after a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The win delivered Lionel Messi the 48th major title of his professional career, while his Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the 71st minute. Tadeo Allende added a stoppage-time strike to seal the triumph in the club's final match at their temporary home before moving to the new Miami Freedom Park stadium next year.
Vancouver, who were the better side for long spells, took the game to Miami throughout the first half, with Emmanuel Sabbi particularly lively. The Whitecaps equalised in the second half through Ali Ahmed after an error in the Miami goal, cancelling out an earlier own goal that had given the hosts the lead. The own goal came from a move initiated by Messi, who collected the ball on the right touchline and evaded three defenders before delivering a lofted pass that led to the opener.
De Paul, a mid-season arrival from Atlético Madrid, struck the winner after capitalising on a poor turnover by Vancouver midfielder Andrés Cubas. Allende then removed all doubt in stoppage time, finishing calmly after another exquisite pass from Messi. The goal prompted Miami head coach Javier Mascherano to sprint onto the pitch and kiss the turf in celebration.
The victory capped a gruelling campaign that saw Inter Miami play 58 matches across all competitions, an all-time MLS record for a single season, while competing for five trophies. The club had faced significant scrutiny during the year, with questions raised about the squad and manager despite Messi's presence, but this title provided a conclusive response. Vancouver, who had travelled with several hundred supporters, were left to rue missed opportunities in a competitive final.
