FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami has won the club’s first MLS Cup, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on Saturday at Chase Stadium, with the clinching goal coming on a Rodrigo De Paul score in the 71st minute.
Lionel Messi didn’t score in the final, but he created a trio of moments that led to Miami’s goals. First, he sprung Tadeo Allende down the right, where his cross was turned in by Edier Ocampo for an own goal eight minutes in. Messi then assisted on the cup-winner, forcing a turnover and then setting up De Paul. Messi, who earned match MVP honors, tacked on another assist deep into stoppage time, sending Allende in for his record-setting ninth goal of these MLS playoffs.
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Since signing Messi and friends in the summer of 2023, and instantly transforming into a global club, this is the trophy Miami most wanted. In front of a packed house of many pink-wearing fans, the club got it.
Here’s a closer look at the match and the latest trophy for Messi, De Paul and
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