Messi inspires Inter Miami to first MLS Cup, adding another title to his glittering career

Lionel Messi delivered the all important quality Inter Miami needed, orchestrating a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps to claim the club’s first-ever MLS Cup title and add another laurel to his storied career.

Messi punished Vancouver’s only major mistake of the night, seizing on an errant pass from Andrés Cubas before threading a world-class, defence-splitting ball to Rodrigo De Paul.

The midfielder finished calmly to put Miami 2-1 up, shifting the gear, and closing out a tense final at Chase Stadium.

Early breakthrough, Vancouver push back

Miami struck first inside 10 minutes. Messi slalomed between two defenders and released Tadeo Allende, whose cut-back was turned into the net by Edier Ocampo for an own goal.

The visitors regrouped and asserted control in the second half, with Emmanuel Sabbi tormenting Miami’s right flank and Ali Ahmed capitalising on a Rocco Rios-Novo error to level in the 60th minute.

With Vancouver dominating possession, it briefly appeared momentum had swung. Then Messi intervened with the match-defining assist to De Paul, restoring Miami’s advantage.

Allende breaks record, Miami close it out

Allende eventually sealed the win in extra time, firing home to break the postseason scoring record after another incisive pass from Messi.

The result capped a landmark night for Miami and served as a fitting farewell for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both retiring at season’s end.

Inter Miami, powered by Messi’s composure and vision, finally claim their place among MLS champions.