Messi adds to legendary career, leads Inter Miami to first MLS Cup

Inter Miami CF captured the club’s first-ever MLS Cup presented by Audi, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 before a sold-out crowd of 21,550 at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Messi, captain and MVP of the match, set up both Rodrigo De Paul’s game-winner in the 71st minute and Tadeo Allende’s stoppage-time clincher, adding two assists to his dominant performance.

Miami struck first in the 8th minute when Tadeo Allende’s cross deflected off Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo for an own goal. Vancouver equalized in the 60th minute as Ali Ahmed’s near-post shot slipped past Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.

The win cemented Inter Miami’s place in MLS history. Allende set a new record with nine goals in a single postseason, while Messi finished the playoffs with 15 goal contributions, the most in MLS history for a single postseason.

The victory also marked historic firsts for several stars: Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul became the first FIFA World Cup winners to claim MLS Cup. With the win, Inter Miami CF joins an elite group of Miami-based champions alongside the Heat, Dolphins, Marlins, and Florida Panthers.

Head coach Javier Mascherano became the first coach since Steve Cherundolo in 2022 to win MLS Cup in his first year, while the team’s attack—Messi, Jordi Alba, Allende, and Luis Suárez—combined for 133 goal contributions in the 2025 season and playoffs, an MLS record.

Messi now boasts 47 career trophies across 16 different competitions, while Busquets and Alba capped their careers with 37 and 21 trophies, respectively, including 20 won together.

Inter Miami CF is the eighth different MLS team to hoist the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy in the past 10 seasons, closing a landmark season in style.

Scoring summary:
MIA – Own Goal (Ocampo), 8’
VAN – Ahmed (White, Sabbi), 60’
MIA – De Paul (Messi), 71’
MIA – Allende (Messi, Alba), 90+6’

Attendance: 21,550