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Lionel Messi Seals Inter Miami’s First MLS Cup Win in Style
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- Lionel Messi Seals Inter Miami’s First MLS Cup Win in Style
Lionel Messi arrived in Major League Soccer with one goal in mind. The 38-year-old superstar had previously won everything possible in his club and international career before landing on American shores.
As captain of Inter Miami , Messi focused his desire on adding the bullet point of MLS Cup winner to his long and decorated résumé.
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On Saturday, Messi and his Inter Miami teammates delivered the club's first-ever MLS Cup title in front of home fans at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Argentine legend played a huge role in the victory by providing two silky assists.
Messi Provided Memorable Moments in MLS Cup Victory
Lionel Messi and Tadeo Allende of Inter Miami CF celebrate winning the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final match between Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)Rich Storry/Getty Images
Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in stylish fashion. Messi played a part in two of the Herons' goals. He slid through Rodrigo De Paul to score in the 71st minute.
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Messi beautifully controlled a long ball with his chest in the 96th minute and performed a precise lifted pass to send Tadeo Allende off to the races. Allende would score the goal that sealed victory for Inter Miami.
Messi finished the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs with six goals and a league-high nine assists. He also led the playoffs with 17 key passes and 10 shots on target, the latter of which he shared with Allende. Only Allende scored more goals (nine) than Messi.
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It was another Player of the Match performance for Messi. He was named MLS Cup MVP. His 15 goal contributions set an MLS playoff record.
While teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets will ride off into retirement as champions, Messi is sticking around. He is signed through 2028. Alongside head coach and compatriot Javier Mascherano , he will likely add more silverware to Inter Miami's trophy cabinet in the coming seasons.
This could be just the beginning of Inter Miami's trophy haul. The Herons won last season's Supporters' Shield, and they will enter the 2026 MLS season with a star over their club badge.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
