Inter Miami are Major League Soccer champions for the first time after a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest player in the sport's history, was instrumental in all three goals, setting up the opening score and providing the final pass for the others, as his side emerged triumphant in a contest that was far tighter than the scoreline suggests.
The Herons, playing at their temporary home, took the lead in the first half after a Vancouver own goal. Messi, operating in an uncharacteristic position on the right touchline, wriggled away from three defenders before delivering a precise lofted ball into the path of Mateo Silvetti, whose cross was turned into his own net by Édier Ocampo. The Whitecaps had been the better side for much of the opening period, with Emmanuel Sabbi repeatedly finding space behind Miami's defence, but they fell behind against the run of play.
Vancouver equalised in the second half through Ali Ahmed, after a botched save from a near-post effort. But the lead lasted only until the 71st minute, when another Messi pass released Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentina international who arrived from Atlético Madrid mid-season. De Paul scored off a poor turnover from Vancouver midfielder Andrés Cubas, who had been otherwise excellent. In stoppage time, Messi produced another brilliant lobbed assist for Tadeo Allende, on loan from Celta Vigo, to seal the victory and spark celebrations from coach Javier Mascherano, who sprinted onto the pitch and kissed the grass.
The win secures the 48th major trophy of Messi's professional career and caps a gruelling 2025 schedule for Miami, who played a record 58 matches in a calendar year across five competitions. They lifted the MLS Cup in the final game at Chase Stadium before moving to their new home, Miami Freedom Park, next season. The temporary venue, with its basic stands and eclectic food offerings, has been packed since Messi's arrival in 2023, and the crowd on this occasion included former NBA star Steve Nash, a minority owner of the Whitecaps.
Despite the comfortable margin of victory, Miami were far from their best for long periods. Vancouver dominated possession and created several chances that were either missed or blocked, and the decisive moments came from the individual brilliance of Messi and the clinical finishing of De Paul and Allende. The title is a vindication for a squad that faced serious doubts during a turbulent campaign, and they will now look to build on this success at their new stadium.
