A new chapter in American soccer history was written in Fort Lauderdale as Inter Miami captured the MLS Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. The win, sealed in the final match at Chase Stadium, caps a monumental season for a club that has operated under an intense spotlight.
The narrative of the final was one of resilience. Despite entering the match as favorites, Miami faced sustained pressure from a disciplined and dangerous Vancouver side for long stretches. The breakthrough, however, came from a familiar source of inspiration. While Lionel Messi did not find the net himself, his creative genius was the catalyst for the decisive plays. The opening goal, a Vancouver own goal, originated from a moment of individual magic from Messi to unlock the defense.
Vancouver’s deserved equalizer in the second half, finished by Ali Ahmed, set up a tense finale and threatened to derail Miami’s quest. The response was swift and clinical. Capitalizing on a rare midfield error, Messi seized possession and set up Argentine compatriot Rodrigo De Paul, who arrived in midseason, for a cool 71st-minute finish that ultimately proved the winner. A late breakaway goal from Tadeo Allende, again assisted by Messi, finally put the result beyond doubt.
The match served as a fitting, if imperfect, farewell to the temporary Chase Stadium venue and to several iconic players. The victory ensured legendary figures like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba concluded their illustrious careers by lifting a championship trophy on American soil.
The triumph marks the culmination of an unprecedented and grueling campaign for Inter Miami, which contested a record number of matches across multiple competitions. As the club prepares to move into its new, permanent home at Miami Freedom Park next season, it does so not just as a headline act, but as the league’s reigning champion, having answered its critics in the most definitive way possible.