Messi Guides Inter Miami to Its First MLS Title
A Historic Triumph for Inter Miami
Inter Miami has secured its first North American MLS championship, claiming a historic title with a 3-1 victory at home against Vancouver, led by Lionel Messi.
Messi, a Key Player in the Florida Project
After winning ten La Liga titles with FC Barcelona and two French championships with PSG, Lionel Messi has accomplished another challenge: delivering Miami its first trophy since his arrival in 2023, joining a team built around him and several compatriots.
A Controlled Final Despite Messi’s Goal Drought
In Saturday’s final, Messi did not score but was crucial by providing two assists, one in stoppage time. Miami took the lead with an own goal by Edier Ocampo (18th minute) before Vancouver equalized with a goal from Ali Ahmed (60th minute).
A Turning Point: An Error and a Last Gem from Messi
Against the run of play, Miami regained the lead after a lost ball by Andrés Cubas was intercepted by Messi, who set up Rodrigo De Paul for the 2-1 (71st minute). In the final minutes, Messi delivered a true masterpiece: chest controlling a pass from Jordi Alba and then executing a pinpoint assist to Tadeo Allende, who scored his ninth playoff goal—a record in MLS.
The End of an Era for Alba and Busquets
Close allies of Messi since their Barcelona days, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets bid farewell with one last title, while Luis Suarez continues his career after coming on in the final.
