Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to its first major title by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the MLS Cup final. The match marked the farewell of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Spanish football legends. Messi provided two key assists in the win.
Inter Miami, a club with just six years of history, secured its first major trophy in the MLS Cup by beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final at Florida's Chase Stadium. Lionel Messi, with 47 titles in his career, added his first in the American league and elevated the team to new heights.
The match started with an early own goal favoring Inter, but Whitecaps equalized through Ali Ahmed. With 20 minutes left, Messi stole the ball in midfield and provided a precise assist to Rodrigo de Paul, who slotted it past the keeper to put his team ahead. In stoppage time, Tadeo Allende scored the third, assisted by Messi, sealing the win.
At 39, Messi plays more withdrawn, like a quarterback, but retains his edge: two assists in the final, 43 goals in 48 games this year, and 77 goals with 43 assists in 87 MLS matches. The Argentine has filled stadiums and boosted soccer's popularity in the U.S., a minority sport compared to NFL or NBA, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The game was the last for Alba and Busquets, 2010 World Cup and Euros winners with Spain. Opposite them, Vancouver's summer signing Thomas Müller led his side with energy despite the loss. Coach Javier Mascherano relied on Allende, who shone in playoffs with his dynamism, benching Luis Suárez.
This victory plants the first flag in soccer's growth in the U.S., driven by Messi and president David Beckham, who brought in former Barça teammates.