Messi Leads Inter Miami to 3-1 Victory Over Vancouver in MLS Cup Final

Inter Miami showcased an exceptional performance in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on December 6, 2025. The match, held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, marked a historic moment for the franchise.

Messi’s Impact in the MLS Cup Final

Despite not scoring, Lionel Messi played a crucial role by providing the assist for Rodrigo De Paul’s decisive goal in the 71st minute. This assist was Messi’s eighth of the playoffs, setting a new MLS record. Tadeo Allende later sealed the victory by scoring in stoppage time, bringing his playoff tally to an impressive nine goals, also an MLS record.

Match Highlights

• Opening Goal: Inter Miami took the lead early due to an own goal by Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo.
• Vancouver Equalizes: The Whitecaps scored in the 60th minute through Ali Ahmed, who capitalized on a mistake by Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
• Key Assists: Messi’s assist for De Paul changed the momentum and paved the way for Allende’s final goal.

The Celebration

The atmosphere at Chase Stadium was electric. Fans, clad in pink, supported their team enthusiastically. Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed immense pride after the victory, particularly as it was also the final match for legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Mascherano stated, “Today we are champions. It’s a beautiful moment for our club.” In addition, co-owner David Beckham embraced the significance of the victory, describing the emotional journey that led to this triumph.

Players’ Perspectives

Messi highlighted the team’s commitment over the long season. He noted, “This is the moment we had been waiting for, and it feels beautiful.” Goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo also praised the retiring players, acknowledging their contributions to the club.

A Look Ahead

This victory not only secured the MLS Cup for Inter Miami but also marked a turning point in the franchise’s history. Following a challenging previous season, the team focused on redemption, achieving their goal of becoming champions. With stars like Messi leading the charge, the future looks promising for Inter Miami.