Messi delivers two assists as Inter Miami defeat Vancouver Whitecaps to secure their first MLS Cup title.
United States | By Sayer Zaland
Lionel Messi capped another milestone season by guiding Inter Miami to MLS Cup success, as the Florida side defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 in the final on 6 December to claim the first league championship in the club’s history.
The Argentine forward was central to the victory, providing two assists and setting the tempo as Inter Miami recovered from last season’s early playoff exit to lift the biggest prize in Major League Soccer.
Since arriving in Miami in July 2023, Messi has been the driving force behind the club’s rise, establishing himself as its leading scorer and steering the team to its first major trophies, including the MLS Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup.
This season, the 37-year-old finished as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals to claim the MLS Golden Boot and earned a second consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player award. Inter Miami have since confirmed that Messi has extended his contract until at least 2028, underlining his central role in the club’s long-term ambitions as Major League Soccer builds toward the FIFA World Cup 2026.