FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi celebrated a “beautiful, emotional moment” as he assisted two goals, leading Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday.
This remarkable victory marks a turnaround for a franchise that found itself at the bottom of the MLS standings prior to Messi’s arrival as the league’s most significant signing in July 2023.
– Messi bids a ‘special’ farewell to Alba and Busquets with MLS Cup
– Miami’s first MLS Cup title reflects a long-standing ambitious plan
– Vancouver sheds ‘proud tears’ as title hopes fade
This victory adds to Messi’s illustrious career, bringing his total senior titles to 44 and earning him the MLS Cup MVP award. This is his third trophy with Miami, following victories in the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024. However, the MLS Cup stands out as the pinnacle for a team supported by David Beckham since its inception in 2020.
“It’s a beautiful, emotional moment for us and for the people of Miami to achieve our MLS objective,” Messi told ESPN. “It’s a young club, and while we’ve had some success before, this was the ultimate goal — to win the MLS and rise to the top of the American league, and fortunately, we’ve accomplished that.”
“Playing at home made it even more special for everyone, so we must savor this moment.”
In front of a packed Chase Stadium in South Florida, Miami took an early lead through an own goal by Vancouver’s Édier Ocampo, who deflected a shot from Miami’s Tadeo Allende into his own net in the eighth minute.
Despite taking the lead, Miami struggled to maintain control as the Whitecaps started to gain momentum throughout the first half, with captain Thomas Müller of Bayern Munich orchestrating many attacking plays for the visitors.
Upon resuming play, the Whitecaps intensified their pressure, and in the 60th minute, Ali Ahmed equalized with a shot that took an unpredictable bounce past Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.
Just as it appeared Vancouver was poised to seize the moment, Messi made his mark in the 71st minute, intercepting the ball in the opposition’s half and delivering a pinpoint pass to a sprinting De Paul, who scored to put Miami back in the lead.
With chants of “Messi! Messi!” echoing throughout the stadium, the crowd sensed the inevitable outcome.
Vancouver pressed for an equalizer in the closing moments, but it was Messi who struck again, assisting Allende in the 96th minute to secure a 3-1 lead, igniting jubilant celebrations at Chase Stadium, particularly from rookie coach Javier Mascherano.
“I’m thrilled for him,” Mascherano expressed. “I’m delighted with his performance this season… Winning this trophy was particularly special and important for him. He came here with the goal of winning it.”
This marked Messi’s record 15th goal contribution in this year’s playoffs, setting a new standard for a single MLS postseason, while Allende also notched a record ninth goal during the playoffs.
As the final whistle sounded, it signaled the end of Sergio Busquets‘ career, coinciding with the retirement of teammate and fellow former Barcelona star Jordi Alba.
This victory also symbolizes the fruition of a 12-year vision for Beckham, a member of Inter Miami’s ownership group. After retiring as a player in 2013, Beckham’s MLS contract allowed him to establish a franchise at a discounted rate post-career. He chose Miami, but it took years to bring the project to life, officially launching in January 2018 when he partnered with Miami businessmen Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, despite lacking a stadium plan initially.
Inter Miami is now the 16th club in the league’s 30-year history to secure an MLS title, contributing to a trend of parity in MLS, which has seen five different teams claim championships in the last five years and eight in the past nine seasons — with Columbus being the only side to win it twice in that timeframe.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Beckham reflected.
Messi, now 38 and the 2024 MLS MVP with seemingly more awards on the horizon, continues to shine in critical moments, with a contract that may keep him playing in Miami into his 40s. As next season approaches, the team will have a new stadium near Miami International Airport and aspirations for back-to-back titles.
“He’s not just enjoying life in Miami,” Beckham noted. “His family loves Miami, but he’s here to win. That drive, dedication, and loyalty to his teammates, the city, and the club encapsulates who Leo is. He’s a winner, plain and simple.”
Contributions from ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano, The Associated Press, and ESPN Research were included in this report.