Messi Leads Inter Miami to Historic MLS Cup Victory Over Vancouver

Lionel Messi has added another prestigious accolade to his illustrious career by leading Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup. This win marks a significant milestone, as Messi, alongside his teammates, becomes the first players in history to secure both a World Cup and an MLS Cup title.

Messi’s journey with Inter Miami began in the summer of 2023, shortly after he helped Argentina clinch the 2022 World Cup. At that time, Miami was at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and the primary goal for Messi and the club was to hoist the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy as MLS champions. Despite winning the inaugural Leagues Cup before even participating in a regular season match, the team struggled to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs that year.

After an underwhelming 2024 season, where Miami faced early exits in several competitions, including the Concacaf Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, the pressure to succeed intensified. With the impending retirements of former Barcelona stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Messi was determined to ensure that this postseason would not end in disappointment.

In the final match held at Chase Stadium, Messi’s influence was undeniable. He played a crucial role in both of Miami’s goals, including a pivotal steal that allowed Miami to regain the lead shortly after Vancouver equalized. The momentum seemed to favor Miami, eventually leading to their triumph.

While some MLS owners argue that spending does not guarantee success in a league characterized by parity, Miami’s victory challenges that notion. As the top spenders in MLS, the Herons have demonstrated the effectiveness of investment in securing titles. Rodrigo De Paul, another World Cup champion, scored the game-winning goal, underscoring the impact of high-profile signings.

Looking ahead, Messi’s future with the Argentine national team remains a point of speculation. He has indicated that he is keen to defend his World Cup title in the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 2026. At nearly 39 years old, Messi has already set a record for the most appearances in World Cup history, surpassing Germany’s Lothar Matthäus.

The Vancouver Whitecaps, despite their loss, have much to be proud of this season. The team, primarily composed of players previously overlooked by other clubs, came within 90 minutes of achieving a historic Concacaf title. The addition of Thomas Müller, a German football legend, and their success in winning the Canadian Championship reflect their competitive spirit.

This season has elevated players like midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and defender Tristan Blackmon, positioning them as potential candidates for the U.S. national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Whitecaps have made significant strides in gaining relevance within their city, a remarkable achievement given the league’s long history in North America.

As the MLS prepares for a quick turnaround before the 2026 season begins in February, both Miami and the league itself face critical moments. Miami is set to debut their new stadium in the spring, while MLS will pause for the World Cup. This season marks the final full year under the traditional spring-to-fall format before transitioning to a fall-to-spring calendar starting in 2027.

Overall, Messi’s impact on Inter Miami and the broader MLS landscape is profound, setting a new standard for success and competitiveness in the league.