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How Inter Miami Secured Their First MLS Cup With A Win Vs Vancouver Whitecaps
Inter Miami was Crowned MLS Champions Messi Leads the Herons to Historic Glory
It already feels distant, almost unreal, that before Lionel Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami were statistically the worst team in Major League Soccer. Since the Argentinian set foot in Fort Lauderdale, the transformation has been significant.
What was once an inconsistent, struggling expansion side has evolved into a powerhouse so formidable that expert MLS analysts are whispering the once-unthinkable this might be the best team in MLS history.
That declaration may still be premature, but nights like the 2025 MLS Cup Final certainly make it harder to argue against.
A Historic Final With High Stakes
Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps stepped into uncharted territory. This was the first MLS Cup Final for both clubs and a night that promised not only a new champion but a potentially era-defining performance.
Despite Miami’s electric run, 17 goals in five playoff games, Vancouver entered the final far from intimidated. They had the better head-to-head record, had scored in 17 straight matches, and produced a massive 75 goals during the regular season, second only to Miami’s record-breaking 98.
On paper, the final pitted the unstoppable force against the immovable object.
Inter had won eight of their last nine home league games.
Vancouver was among MLS’s toughest teams to beat all season.
Miami Strike First
The opening exchanges were balanced, with Tadeo Allende immediately threatening the Vancouver backline. Minutes later, Allende again caused chaos, threading a wicked ball across the box.
Edier Ocampo’s desperate lunge turned the cross into his own net, giving Inter Miami a precious early lead.
For Vancouver, it was a dangerous omen that Inter had not lost any of their previous 23 MLS matches after scoring first.
From that moment, Miami settled, adopting a compact defensive structure and choosing to strike on the counter, allowing the Whitecaps to possess the ball but not punch through.
One of Miami’s early standout performers was Ian Fray. In just 15 minutes, he had already won both tackles attempted and dominated four of five duels an embodiment of Miami’s gritty, collective work ethic.
Messi Begins to Influence
Despite Miami’s early goal, Vancouver gradually found their rhythm. Thomas Müller and Brian White struggled to impose themselves up front, but as the midfield gained control, the tide turned.
Messi’s first real opportunity, a direct free-kick, failed to trouble Yohei Takaoka. But the Argentinian’s influence increased steadily.
Approaching the half-hour mark, only Noah Allen matched Messi’s perfect pass completion rate. His 174th shot of the season was blocked, but his presence was growing.
Meanwhile, Vancouver began suffocating Miami in midfield. Sebastian Berhalter, in particular, was everywhere winning multiple balls high up the pitch and setting the tempo.
As halftime approached, Rocco Ríos Novo produced two sensational saves, first from Emmanuel Sabbi at point-blank range, then from Müller’s powerful header. Miami clung to its lead, but Vancouver’s 75% possession told the story: the pendulum had swung.
Whitecaps Finally Break Through
Inter Miami entered the second half on the back foot mirroring the end of the first. A rash of fouls, more than their season average, provided Vancouver with mounting opportunities.
In the 60th minute, the inevitable happened.
Ali Ahmed finally broke Miami’s resistance, finishing off a prolonged spell of dominance to bring Vancouver level. Moments later, chaos erupted as Sabbi’s shot ricocheted off both posts before bouncing away.
Inter Miami were wobbling.
At that point, Vancouver had nearly doubled Miami’s completed passes and produced 20 touches in the Inter Miami box compared to just eight for the hosts.
The Whitecaps looked destined to take control of the final.
De Paul Rescues Inter Miami
Football rarely follows logic. Despite Vancouver’s dominance, a single misstep outside the Miami box flipped the script.
Messi pounced on the loose ball and, with his trademark vision, slipped a perfect pass to Rodrigo De Paul.
The Argentine midfielder hammered home his second-ever Inter Miami goal and Miami’s 100th combined goal across the 2025 regular and postseason, the first time such a feat had ever been achieved in MLS.
Messi’s assist marked his eighth of the playoffs and 22nd of the season both MLS records.
Whitecaps Throw Everything Forward
Desperation set in for Vancouver. Their structure loosened as they went all-out attack. Berhalter continued his relentless midfield display, repeatedly dragging his team forward, weaving past challenges, and sustaining pressure.
But Miami, now energised, defended with increasing composure. Messi, Balthazar Rodriguez, and Maximiliano Falcon each won possession five times in the closing stretch, anchoring the midfield defensively.
As stoppage time ticked away, every Whitecaps player except Takaoka was stationed inside the Miami half. Long balls flew. Scrambles ensued. Tension peaked.
Allende Seals It
With almost the last meaningful action of the match, Jordi Alba, playing the final minutes of his career, found Messi with a sweeping crossfield pass. Messi took one touch, then slid the ball into Tadeo Allende’s path.
Allende scored Miami’s third goal.
It was his ninth of the postseason, breaking the record for most goals in an MLS playoff run.
It was his fourth consecutive match with a goal his best streak of the year.
It was poetic.It was decisive.
And fittingly, the very last touch of the match, and of his career, came from Sergio Busquets.
Messi’s 47th Trophy:
With the final whistle, Inter Miami were MLS Cup champions.
Messi lifted the 47th trophy of his career more than any player in football history.
Busquets and Alba ended their storied journeys with a championship.
DePaul earned a legacy-defining moment. Allende broke playoff scoring records.
And Inter Miami, once the worst team in MLS, stood unquestionably at the summit of North American football.
Messi hasn’t just elevated Inter Miami. He has transformed them.
And on this unforgettable night, MLS watched the birth of a dynasty.
