Lionel Messi says it was a “stunning, emotional second” for Inter Miami after they received the MLS Cup for the primary time of their historical past.
Messi received two assists to information Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps within the Herons’ final-ever recreation at Chase Stadium to clinch the trophy.
Ali Ahmed had cancelled out Edier Ocampo’s early personal aim, however Messi arrange Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende within the second half to safe the win.
Messi performed his twenty sixth profession ultimate (excluding Tremendous Cups) and has received 18 of these. His assists took him to 26 aim involvements in these showpieces (18 targets, eight assists).
General, it was his twenty third help in MLS this time period, greater than some other participant, whereas he has contributed to fifteen targets in his final six dwelling video games (six targets, 9 assists).
“A lovely, emotional second for us, for the folks of Miami, to have the ability to obtain the MLS goal,” Messi advised ESPN.
“It’s a really new membership, so to talk. After we performed earlier than, we have been fortunate sufficient to win a title, however this was the true goal: to win MLS and be on the prime of the American league, and by chance, we achieved it.
“We have been lucky to play at dwelling, an enormous pleasure for the folks, so we now have to take pleasure in it.”
THIS TEAM pic.twitter.com/Wrra0doYFX
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 7, 2025
Miami made their MLS debut in 2020, having formally launched as a franchise in 2018, and co-owner David Beckham, who was watching on within the crowd, was thrilled to see his crew declare the highest prize.
“All of the emotion got here out within the ultimate few moments of the sport,” Beckham mentioned.
“There was a variety of sleepless nights, however I all the time believed in Miami. I discovered the correct companions and knew something was attainable.
“It says freedom to dream on our shirts, and we promised our followers we’d ship. Subsequent yr is a brand new yr, however first we rejoice.”
Messi’s two assists took him to fifteen aim involvements within the playoffs, a file for a single MLS postseason, whereas he arrange Allende for a record-breaking aim.
The 26-year-old scored 9 targets total within the playoffs, greater than some other participant has ever managed (overtook Carlos Ruiz’s file of eight from 2002).
And head coach Javier Mascherano, who completed his first season in cost with the trophy, was thrilled Messi realised his dream of profitable this honor with Miami.
“I’m very glad for him,” Mascherano mentioned. “I’m very glad due to the season that he performed.
“For him, it was very, very particular and essential to win this trophy. He got here right here to win this trophy.”
