Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, securing the MLS Cup in a decisive and high-energy final. According to reports from NBC Miami, Messi provided key assists that set up the decisive goals, confirming his team’s dominion in the championship match played at Chase Stadium. This victory marks a historic moment for Miami, achieving its first MLS Cup win since the club began competing in 2020.
Inter Miami opened the scoring due to a mishap by Vancouver, with Tadeo Allende benefitting from a deflection off defender Edier Ocampo. While the Whitecaps managed to equalize through Ali Ahmed's effort in the 60th minute, their celebrations were short-lived. Messi managed to once again define the match's tempo, assisting Rodrigo De Paul to put Miami back in the lead. "That should clinch it," as FOX Sports noted, when Allende, with a helping touch from Messi, slotted home the third, sealing the deal for Miami.
With this win, Messi, alongside Argentinian teammate Rodrigo De Paul and Spanish maestro Sergio Busquets, etch their names into the history books as the first players to win both a World Cup and an MLS Cup in their careers. The final also marked the end of illustrious careers for Jordi Alba and Busquets, as they bid farewell to professional soccer on the highest note, as per NBC Miami's coverage of the match.
Miami’s victory also marked a symbolic farewell to Chase Stadium, as the club prepares to move to the new Miami Freedom Park in 2026. Despite holding 65% possession and featuring German veteran Thomas Müller, the Whitecaps struggled to generate danger after their equalizer and ultimately fell short, surrendering both the match and their title hopes.
