Messi and De Paul deliver as Miami secure first MLS championship

Inter Miami secured their first-ever MLS Cup title with a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium, driven by a vintage Lionel Messi display that featured two assists on a landmark night for the franchise, Sport360NG reports.

The hosts took an early lead eight minutes in, when Tadeo Allende’s pressure forced Edier Ocampo to turn the ball into his own net. Vancouver responded well late in the first half, with Rocco Ríos producing a sharp save to deny Emmanuel Sabbi before Thomas Müller’s header brushed the top of the net.

The Whitecaps found their breakthrough on the hour mark as Ali Ahmed’s mishit effort crept under Ríos. Sabbi nearly completed the turnaround moments later, striking both posts before seeing his rebound deflected onto the woodwork.

Miami regained control in the 71st minute through Rodrigo De Paul, who latched onto Messi’s precise through-ball and finished calmly across goal. Vancouver pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser, but their ambition left them exposed.

Messi delivered again in the closing stages, cushioning a high ball on his chest before flicking it into the path of Allende, who slotted between Yohei Takaoka’s legs to seal the win in front of jubilant home supporters.

The victory marks the culmination of Inter Miami’s rapid rise since joining MLS in 2020, fulfilling the long-held ambition of co-owner David Beckham.

“All the emotion came out in the final moments,” Beckham said. “There were sleepless nights, but I always believed in Miami. It says ‘freedom to dream’ on our shirts, and we promised our fans we would deliver.”

Messi’s arrival in 2023 transformed the club’s trajectory. Joined by former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, followed by Luis Suárez the next year, the Argentine maestro helped Miami claim the Leagues Cup in 2023, their first major trophy. They added the Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference title in 2024 but fell short in the playoffs.

This season, after finishing third in the East, Miami powered through the knockout rounds with emphatic aggregate wins to reach their first MLS Cup final.

While Messi has committed to the club through 2028, Sunday’s triumph also served as a farewell for Busquets and Alba, who played their final match.

Head coach Javier Mascherano, celebrating his first managerial trophy, praised the departing veterans: “They deserve to finish their careers this way. They changed the mentality at Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi. This goodbye is perfect for them.”

Inter Miami now turn their focus to building on a historic season that has reshaped the club, and the league, around its global superstar.