Lionel Messi orchestrated Inter Miami’s first-ever Major League Soccer Cup victory on Saturday, delivering two assists in a 3-1 defeat of Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium.
The hosts, under coach Javier Mascherano, weathered Vancouver’s periods of dominance to lift the trophy, with Messi’s vision proving decisive in overturning the scoreline.
Miami struck first in the eighth minute when Messi’s teasing low cross from the right flank forced Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo into an unfortunate deflection past his own goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, handing the Herons an early lead.
The Whitecaps, buoyed by Thomas Mueller’s relentless midfield drive, levelled proceedings on the hour mark through winger Ali Ahmed’s composed low finish into the bottom corner, exploiting a lapse from Miami stopper, Ríos Novo.
Momentum swung decisively Miami’s way in the 71st minute as Messi latched onto a loose touch in midfield before threading a precise through-ball to Rodrigo De Paul, who slotted home with ice-cool precision to restore the advantage.
With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Messi sealed the drama by curling in a sumptuous cross for Tadeo Allende to volley home the third, igniting euphoric celebrations among the South Florida faithful.
The victory marks Miami’s maiden MLS Cup crown and Messi’s first league title stateside. It also provided a poignant send-off for veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, whose tearful embraces on the pitch evoked memories of their Barcelona glory days alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The MLS Cup final, the league’s marquee event, drew global eyes to Florida, where Miami’s flair-infused style has revitalised interest since Messi’s July 2023 signing. With this triumph, the club eyes continental dominance, including a potential Club World Cup tilt.
