Lionel Messi has fulfilled his mission, leading Inter Miami CF to their historic first-ever MLS Cup championship last night, Saturday, December 6, 2025. The Argentine maestro spearheaded a commanding 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, capping a season that saw the club transformed from a league struggler into Major League Soccer’s newest champion in just its sixth season.
While not on the scoresheet himself, Messi was the undeniable architect of victory, delivering two crucial assists that directly led to Inter Miami’s game-winning and insurance goals. His sublime pass to Rodrigo De Paul in the 71st minute broke a 1-1 deadlock, and another precise delivery to Tadeo Allende in stoppage time sealed the 3-1 win. For his decisive performance, Messi was deservedly named the 2025 MLS Cup Final MVP.
The final, a tightly contested affair until Miami’s late surge, saw Inter Miami take an early lead through an Edier Ocampo own-goal in the 8th minute, only for Vancouver to equalize through Ali Ahmed in the 60th. However, Messi’s late-game brilliance provided the inspiration needed to overcome a resilient Whitecaps side and etch Inter Miami’s name into MLS history.
This MLS Cup title marks the 47th major trophy of Messi’s illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as the greatest player of all time. The win also provided a fairytale ending for retiring Inter Miami legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, allowing them to conclude their careers as champions alongside their former Barcelona teammate.
