Inter Miami Capture First MLS Cup Behind Messi Magic and Historic Moments in Fort Lauderdale

Jonathan Turner
2 hours ago
3 min read

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami CF completed their rise to the summit of American soccer on Saturday afternoon, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3–1 at Chase Stadium to claim the 2025 MLS Cup — the club’s first league championship and a defining milestone in the Messi era.

Lionel Messi, who has rewritten expectations since arriving in South Florida nearly two years ago, delivered another signature performance. The 38-year-old superstar provided assists on both second-half goals, guiding Miami to the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy in just their sixth MLS season.

But beyond the on-field brilliance, the moment carried a deep emotional weight.

Moments after the final whistle, Messi shared a heartfelt embrace with his wife, Antonela, celebrating together in a private suite before joining teammates and their families on the field. Cameras captured the pair sharing a celebratory kiss, a reminder of the personal journey behind Messi’s American chapter.

“A beautiful, emotional moment for us, for the people of Miami, to be able to achieve the MLS objective,” Messi told ESPN after lifting the trophy. “It’s a very new club… the real objective was to win MLS and be at the top of the American league, and luckily we achieved it.”

Match Recap: Miami’s Stars Deliver When It Matters

Inter Miami struck early, taking an 8th-minute lead when a dangerous Tadeo Allende cross deflected off Vancouver’s Édier Ocampo and into the net. Vancouver equalized in the 60th minute through Ali Ahmed, who slipped a shot past Rocco Ríos Novo to bring the visitors level.

But when the match tightened, Miami’s champions stepped forward.

In the 71st minute, Messi ignited a counterattack off a midfield turnover, feeding longtime Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul for the go-ahead goal. Then, deep into stoppage time, Messi threaded another perfect pass to Allende, who buried the insurance goal — his ninth career strike in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, a new record.

Goals

8' MIA — Édier Ocampo (OG)
60' VAN — Ali Ahmed
71' MIA — Rodrigo De Paul
90+6' MIA — Tadeo Allende

The victory not only sealed Miami’s first MLS Cup but also capped the final competitive match for Spanish icons Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who had announced they would retire at the end of the 2025 season. Both depart as champions, adding another layer of significance to an already historic evening.

Beckham: “Leo is a winner. It’s simple as that.”

Club co-owner David Beckham, whose global vision for Inter Miami included signing Messi in July 2023, celebrated the title alongside his family before embracing his star player on the field.

“He’s not just here to enjoy living in Miami,” Beckham said. “His wife and the kids love Miami, but he’s come here to win… Leo is a winner. It’s simple as that.”

The triumph completes Miami’s trophy collection since Messi’s arrival, adding MLS Cup to the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield titles. With the club preparing to open Miami Freedom Park next April, the victory symbolizes the fulfillment of a project designed to transform soccer across North America.

The Big Picture

Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS Cup championship will be remembered not just as a team achievement, but as the crescendo of a movement. Messi, De Paul, Busquets, Alba, Allende — and a club built to dream big — have reshaped expectations for what American soccer can be.

From the emotional moments in the stands to the brilliance on the pitch, Miami’s ascent is now complete.And with Messi still leading the way, the story is far from over.