Key Points
- Inter Miami lift their first MLS Cup as their captain scores and creates key chances. His showing in the final crowns a ruthless playoff campaign.
- The victory comes in front of a packed home crowd draped in pink. Fans celebrate long after full-time as fireworks and confetti fill the night.
- Family scenes on the pitch underline how settled the star feels. Attention now turns to next season and defending the hard-won title.
Inter Miami have finally lifted their first ever MLS Cup. The Florida side beat Vancouver Whitecaps in a tense showpiece final. As expected, Lionel Messi stood at the heart of everything.
The captain scored one goal and created another on a historic night. He also collected the Golden Boot award after a ruthless playoff run. The win deepens his growing legacy in Miami. It also builds on Barcelona plans Messi statue from his former club.
Thousands of fans packed the home ground and turned it bright pink. Confetti rained down as players lifted the silver trophy high. Messi posed with team-mates at full-time, then shared the joy with his family.
Messi leads Miami’s charge
From kick-off, the Argentine star dictated tempo and space with ease. He dropped deep to link passes, then sprang forward at key moments. Vancouver’s defence tried tight marking yet struggled to read his movement.
Miami’s opening goal came after a slick move through midfield and wide areas. Messi found a team-mate with a sharp pass and continued his run. The return ball reached him inside the box and he finished calmly.
Later in the game he turned provider. A team-mate raced clear and tucked the chance away to seal the tie. The display echoed his recent emotional stop at Spain’s famous ground. In November, Messi visits new Spotify Camp Nou and said he missed it.
Family joins title celebrations
After the final whistle, the pitch turned into a family scene. Messi posed with his partner and three sons beside the huge trophy. They wore Inter Miami colours and championship caps as cameras flashed around them.
The moment underlined how settled he now feels in South Florida. His children kicked balls across the grass while staff clapped nearby. For a player used to European nights, this felt like a fresh chapter.
Team-mates hugged their captain and lifted him briefly into the air. Coaching staff spoke about his standards raising training levels through the season. They said his hunger pushed older players and inspired younger names in the squad.
What this win means next
For Inter Miami, this title confirms the club’s rapid growth. They joined MLS only a few years ago and now sit on top. The owners will see this as proof their bold project works.
For Messi, the win adds another major medal to an overflowing list. He has now lifted league titles in Argentina, Spain, France and the United States. Many fans already call him the greatest and nights like this strengthen that view.
Attention will soon turn to next season and a fresh push. Rivals will strengthen their squads and study Miami’s style in detail. For now, though, the city can enjoy its first MLS Cup parade.
