Messi provides an assist, Inter Miami wins 3-1, clinching the MLS Cup.
Inter Miami defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 thanks to two assists from Lionel Messi; lifting the MLS Cup for the first time in history at Chase Stadium, Messi reached 47 titles.
Inter Miami won the MLS Cup after a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Lionel Messi didn't score but made a decisive impact with two assists: one in the 71st minute for Rodrigo De Paul and another in injury time for Tadeo Allende. This title brings Messi's total career trophies to 47 and marks Inter Miami's first MLS Cup title.
The decisive moment
Just as Vancouver had equalized and increased the tempo, Messi extinguished their momentum with an assist that led to De Paul's 2-1 goal in the 71st minute. In injury time, the Argentinian superstar continued his scoring spree with a skillful pass past a Vancouver defender, allowing Allende to seal the 3-1 victory. These two moments of individual brilliance from Messi transformed the game and secured the championship trophy for Florida.
Main developments
Coach Javier Mascherano's team started the match with a high-pressure pressing, putting Vancouver on the defensive. In the 8th minute, from a cross by Tadeo Allende, Editer Ocampo awkwardly kicked the ball into his own net, opening the scoring for Inter Miami. In the first half, Rocco Rios Novo played attentively, saving shots from Brian White and Emmanuel Sabbi, helping the home team maintain their advantage.
In the second half, Vancouver regained their balance. In the 60th minute, Ali Ahmed rose high to head home a pass from Brian White, leveling the score at 1-1. But Inter Miami didn't fall into disarray. Just as Vancouver was beginning to rekindle hope, Messi made his mark: in the 71st minute, he set up Rodrigo De Paul to score and make it 2-1. In injury time, Messi continued his dribbling, beating the opposing defender and setting up Allende for the third goal.
Tactical perspective
Inter Miami proactively pushed forward, pressing aggressively from Vancouver's very first attacking moves. The constant pressure in the opponent's half gave Mascherano's team an early advantage thanks to an own goal. After conceding the equalizer, Inter Miami adjusted their tempo: slowing down, drawing their opponents out of their defensive block, then accelerating at the right moment. Messi was the tactical trigger: he dropped back to receive the ball, connected the lines, and delivered two highly effective passes into the space behind Vancouver's defense.
Selected numbers
- Score: Inter Miami 3-1 Vancouver Whitecaps.
- 8th minute: Edier Ocampo scores an own goal after a cross from Tadeo Allende.
- 60th minute: Ali Ahmed heads in the equalizer, making it 1-1, from a pass by Brian White.
- 71st minute: Lionel Messi assists Rodrigo De Paul to make the score 2-1.
- In injury time: Messi assisted Tadeo Allende to seal the 3-1 victory.
- Rocco Rios Novo saved shots from Brian White and Emmanuel Sabbi.
- Tadeo Allende scored his ninth goal in the MLS Cup Playoffs, surpassing Carlos Ruiz's record.
- Messi has won 47 titles in his career; Inter Miami has won the MLS Cup for the first time.
Impact and the Big Picture
The MLS Cup victory is a historic milestone for Inter Miami: their first major title in this competition, adding to their collection after the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield. For Messi, this 47th trophy solidifies his status as a symbol of victory and a game-changer in big matches. Inter Miami also acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Rodrigo De Paul, Tadeo Allende, and goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
The victory also held emotional significance as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba had announced their retirement at the end of the season. On this glorious night, they and Messi once again lifted the trophy – a perfect ending to their journey together.