Inter Miami defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the MLS Cup final at Chase Stadium to secure their first title. Lionel Messi contributed to all three goals in a match where Vancouver mounted strong pressure but fell short. The victory marks a triumphant end for retiring players Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Match Overview
Inter Miami clinched the MLS Cup on December 6, 2025, with a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium in Florida. The game showcased Messi's brilliance, as the Argentine played a key role in all three goals for coach Javier Mascherano's side.
Key Moments
Miami took an early lead when Tadeo Allende's cross was deflected into his own net by Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo. Vancouver equalized on the hour mark through Ali Ahmed, assisted by Emmanuel Sabbi and Brian White, after Sabbi's shot had hit both posts minutes earlier.
Against the run of play, Messi dispossessed Andres Cubas and set up Rodrigo De Paul for the second goal with 19 minutes remaining. Deep into stoppage time, Messi chipped a pass to Allende, who fired past goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka to seal the win.
Vancouver had chances, including a denied penalty appeal for Sabbi and a save by Rocco Ríos Novo on Sabbi's shot. Ocampo received a caution for a high arm challenge on Baltasar Rodríguez.
Team News and Context
Messi started and captained Inter Miami, with Luis Suarez on the bench. Lineups included: Inter Miami - Ríos; Fray, Falcón, Busquets, Allen, Alba; Silvetti, De Paul, Rodríguez, Messi, Allende. Vancouver - Takaoka; Ocampo, Blackmon, Priso, Laborda; Berhalter, Cubas, Müller; Sabbi, Ahmed, White.
Injuries sidelined Vancouver's Sam Adekugbe, Belal Halbouni, Daniel Ríos, Sebastian Schönlau, and Ranko Veselinovic, while Inter Miami missed Ryan Sailor and David Ruiz. Tristan Blackmon returned for Vancouver from suspension.
Inter Miami scored 98 goals in the 2025 regular season, the most in MLS history, and won their last three playoff matches by at least four goals. Vancouver set club records with 63 points, 18 wins, and 66 goals, including two wins over Miami during the season. Messi recorded 13 playoff goal involvements, an MLS record.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, said: "All the emotion came out in the final few minutes of the game. All credit to Vancouver, they played a great game and put us under a lot of pressure. And after their goal they were on top of us. But there was a change and when you give the ball to Leo he creates chances. The team stuck together and they have done that all year."
Vancouver's Thomas Müller noted pre-match: "It’s always nice to meet old friends." This final was the last for Busquets and Alba before retirement.