FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Moments after the final whistle, “La Gozadera” by Gente De Zona reverberated through the speakers at Chase Stadium as Inter Miami celebrated a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup on Saturday.
A cloud of pink smoke and vibrant confetti filled the atmosphere as team captain Lionel Messi lifted the MLS Cup with his teammates, marking a historic moment for the franchise.
Emotions ran high, with tears of joy streaming down the faces of many players, each representing a unique journey filled with challenges and triumphs. For some, it symbolized the hard-fought return from injury, while for others, it marked a significant turning point in their careers.
A poignant moment unfolded as Messi and his longtime teammates Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba embraced each other, celebrating their championship victory one last time together.
– Lionel Messi leads Miami past Vancouver to 1st MLS Cup title
– O’Hanlon: MLS gets better beyond Messi magic, but does anyone care?
– 2026 World Cup predictions: Group-by-group takeaways, must-see games
The four players then danced in a circle, jumping in jubilation as their teammates joined in for a grand celebration. Voices filled the air with singing and laughter, a well-deserved release after an arduous 58-game season.
In an ending reminiscent of a Disney film, Inter Miami bid farewell to Alba and Busquets, who retired with one final trophy to their names.
Miami’s victory stands as a testament to the resilience of a team that head coach Javier Mascherano described as determined, with each member making sacrifices to achieve their shared dream. Together, they came together as one cohesive unit to secure the ultimate prize.
“The players have shown remarkable strength and resilience through every challenge this season. Heading into the final match on Saturday, it’s all or nothing. This victory is a true reflection of their hard work as a group. The key is how much we desire to win. Let’s ensure we wake up hungry for it on Saturday,” Mascherano stated on Thursday.
And Inter Miami feasted.
A season that began with uncertainty but found its stride
The 2025 season kicked off amid high expectations and scrutiny following Miami’s appointment of Mascherano as head coach—a role he took on without prior club experience. Transitioning from assessing young talent in the Argentina youth squads to managing some of the sport’s icons, Mascherano aspired to lead Inter Miami to unprecedented heights.
Bearing the responsibility of coaching his former teammates, Mascherano set out to bring glory to Fort Lauderdale.
Years ago, he reflected, “one learns more from losses than from wins. Triumphs can often distort perspective.”
He faced challenging lessons, including a Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal exit against the Whitecaps and defeats in the Leagues Cup final and the round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup.
1:39
Messi’s 2 assists help lead Inter Miami to first MLS Cup title
Lionel Messi records a pair of assists as Inter Miami take down the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 to win the MLS Cup.
With one trophy left to pursue, Mascherano utilized the lessons learned from earlier defeats. The most pivotal moment came when Suárez faced a one-game suspension in the crucial final match of the Round 1 series against Nashville SC. Throughout the season, his starting lineup remained largely unchanged, but with the veteran forward sidelined, Mascherano had to adapt.
Forced to rethink his strategy, the coach included newly signed Mateo Silvetti in the lineup for one of the most critical games of the year, which did not follow the pattern of previous matches where Suárez’s presence was integral.
After the first Round 1 match, Mascherano kept Suárez on the bench, leading to impressive victories of 4-0 against FC Cincinnati and 5-1 against New York City FC, clinching the Eastern Conference title for the first time in club history.
“It’s not an easy choice to bench Luis given his track record and significance to the team,” said the coach.
However, Mascherano made the decision to prioritize team needs, keeping Suárez on the bench and instead utilizing Yannick Bright and others in a game where he felt Suárez’s skills weren’t essential for victory.
Transitioning from a nervous newcomer to a decisive leader, Mascherano demonstrated his ability to adapt and put the team’s needs above personal connections.
This culture of sacrifice resonated throughout Inter Miami, with players learning from each match and recognizing the importance of teamwork in achieving victory.
The importance of team depth
During a crucial week, Suárez went from being an indisputable starter to a bench player during the season’s most critical stretch.
However, he handled the situation with admirable grace.
“I’ve always wanted to play, but with maturity comes the understanding of the situation and the coaching strategy. You do your best to support the team, regardless of your personal ambitions,” he shared with ESPN.
“It’s about motivating those on the field to give their all, while the remaining players remain equally energized because we are one group. While you naturally want more playing time, it’s about showing that you deserve a larger role,” he added.
Suárez’s reaction underscored his character, as noted by Mascherano.
“He has exemplified his greatness, both as a player and a person, demonstrating commitment to the team’s objectives and setting a strong example for his teammates,” said the coach.
Messi likewise showcased his dedication by prioritizing Inter Miami over his participation in an Argentina national team friendly, which coincided with a time-sensitive MLS schedule. Despite having already secured postseason qualification, he chose to forgo the friendly against Venezuela to don the pink jersey the following day against Atlanta United.
“Leo was clearly inclined to play with us, even after training with the national team. We all saw how important he was in our victory that clinched third place in the Eastern Conference,” Mascherano said in October.
If not for Messi’s contributions, Inter Miami would have finished the season with 62 points, trailing the Whitecaps and losing home-field advantage for the MLS Cup.
Max efforts were evident throughout the team, including from Oscar Ustari, who had transitioned from starting goalkeeper to mentoring Rocco Ríos Novo as Miami’s new goalkeeper role. The veteran keeper encouraged his younger counterpart during this critical transition.
Mascherano consistently reinforced the belief that success depends on everyone.
“It’s not just the starting 11 that matter; every team member is vital. Especially in these crucial moments, we need everyone prepared to step in,” he stated.
United, the team lifted the cup.