Messi Magic: How the GOAT's Miami Move Ignited an Unstoppable MLS Cup Run
The 2025 MLS Cup final represents a milestone that many Inter Miami fans believed would never arrive. From the challenging COVID-19 era to now facing Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday with an MLS Cup opportunity, the journey feels surreal.
Javon Haughton recalls the day before everything transformed.
A dedicated Inter Miami fan since the club's inception in 2018 and a key member of the supporters' group Black Herons United, Haughton surveyed the tailgate scene in 2023, with aromas of Jamaican patties and other treats drifting through the atmosphere, and turned to his companions.
"This marks our final match of being absolutely awful, man," he declared to them. "Everything transforms from this point forward. It's certainly been quite a journey."
This was the concluding game before Inter Miami formally welcomed Lionel Messi, the then seven-time Ballon d'Or recipient, who joined the Herons through one of MLS's most intricate and expensive transactions.
Miami secured a 2–2 tie with Columbus Crew that evening, then dropped their following two away matches, before Messi's Leagues Cup premiere, where he netted a spectacular injury-time free kick to beat Liga MX team Cruz Azul.
"It continues to feel like a tornado, it still seems unreal, because it's almost like divine intervention," Haughton shared with Sports Illustrated. "When Messi converted that free kick against Cruz Azul, it became clear that we were present to witness a literal piece of history that will be discussed throughout this legendary player's career.
"Whenever anyone mentions Lionel Messi, they'll reference Inter Miami, and we supporters became eternal in that instant."
From Bottom Dwellers to Championship Contenders
Upon Messi's arrival, Miami occupied last place in the Eastern Conference, and even his magical performances couldn't elevate them to an MLS Cup playoff position that year.
Haughton was present for the club's inaugural match in 2020 against LAFC. Following that contest, MLS suspended operations due to COVID-19 and returned during summer with a bubble tournament at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Those initial periods witnessed the team caught in a legal battle regarding Blaise Matuidi's contract situation, to the extent that the 2018 World Cup winner actually competed for the reserve squad. Additional notable players featured Gonzalo Higuaín, his sibling Federico and former U.S. men's national team midfielder, Brek Shea.
"I recall one match versus New England Revolution [in 2021], and the score was 4–0 by halftime. I was thinking, man, I'm here saying 'damn this, it's terrible," Haughton remembered. "I understood they were professionals, and everyone goes out there and gives their all, but I remember watching and believing this isn't even a legitimate product currently."
Messi's Impact Transforms Everything in Florida
Throughout those difficult periods, supporting Inter Miami wasn't fashionable. They were the squad that competed in Fort Lauderdale and failed to capture significant interest.
When Messi made his entrance, he completely changed the dynamic.
Inter Miami rapidly became North America's most famous club, with achievements following in the 2023 Leagues Cup, setting the stage for Saturday's MLS Cup.
"It's simply an incredible sensation. It's very rewarding for the time and energy we invested before it became trendy," Haughton expressed regarding the growing supporters group.
"Everyone is invited to join the bandwagon eventually. Some are early adopters, some need time to understand, and some must observe others before participating, so we comprehend. But securing victory this Saturday will provide the ultimate validation."
Taking pride as original supporters and buzzing with anticipation for the 2026 launch of the club's permanent venue, Miami Freedom Park, Haughton will visit Chase Stadium for the final time on Saturday.
It's there, together with fellow Black Herons United members and the complete La Familia—the designation for the entire Inter Miami supporters' section—that he hopes to witness everything come to fruition, and commemorate an MLS Cup championship.
"Our organization represents the Caribbeans, the Black Americans and that community where there's passion for the sport here in America," Haughton explained about Black Herons United. "It's the community we've established that has maintained my commitment, and understanding, if there's a match this weekend, these are the individuals I'll encounter who have been present for years. It's like family."
"Among all the opponents, I didn't prefer the Whitecaps. They are an exceptional team, talented and performing excellently, and they're bold, but ultimately, we have Messi, and when he appears and performs his magic, that's how it goes."