Messi Helps Inter Miami Win Their First MLS Cup
Inter Miami won the MLS Cup on Saturday night, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1. This is the biggest win in the club’s short history and their first-ever league championship.
Lionel Messi was the star of the match. He provided two assists and won the MLS Cup MVP award. This is now his 44th major trophy in his career, and his third trophy with Miami.
How the Game Unfolded:
The match was exciting from start to finish, with both teams having their chances.
- 8th Minute – Miami Takes the Lead: Vancouver defender Édier Ocampo accidentally scored an own goal after Tadeo Allende sent in a cross. Miami was winning 1-0.
- 60th Minute – Vancouver Fights Back: Canadian player Ali Ahmed scored for Vancouver to make it 1-1. The game was now tied and getting intense.
- 71st Minute – Messi Magic: Messi grabbed the ball in midfield and passed it to Rodrigo De Paul, who scored to put Miami ahead 2-1.
- 96th Minute – Game Over: In the final seconds, Messi passed to Allende, who scored to make it 3-1 and seal the victory.
Why This Win Matters:
This championship is special for many reasons.
Inter Miami started playing only in 2020, so winning the MLS Cup in just six years is a big achievement. The club has now won four trophies total, including the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
Two Spanish legends, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, played their last professional game in this match. They retired as champions, playing alongside their old Barcelona teammate Messi one final time.
David Beckham, who co-owns the team, has been working on this project for 12 years. His dream of bringing top soccer to Miami has finally come true in the best way possible.
What Messi Said:
After the game, Messi talked about what this win means. “This was our main goal from the start—to win MLS and be the best team in American soccer,” he said. Messi joined Miami in July 2023, and winning the league was always the biggest target.
Coach Javier Mascherano, who used to play with Messi for Argentina and Barcelona, was very proud. He called the win “very special” and praised Messi’s winning attitude.
What’s Next:
Miami has a brand new stadium called Miami Freedom Park opening in April 2026. With this championship win, they’re starting the next season as champions and favorites to win again.
Quick Facts:
- Messi now has 44 trophies in his career
- Inter Miami won their first MLS Cup in only their 6th season
- Busquets and Alba retired after this win
- Miami’s new stadium opens next year
- The team is expected to challenge for the title again in 2026
This victory shows that Inter Miami has grown from a new team to a championship club. With Messi leading the way, they’re becoming one of the most powerful teams in American soccer.
