Messi Magic Propels Inter Miami to Stunning MLS Cup Victory Over Muller's Whitecaps

FORT LAUDERDALE – Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, triumphed over the Vancouver Whitecaps featuring Thomas Müller with a 3–1 victory on Saturday afternoon, claiming the franchise's inaugural MLS Cup at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Fueled by an early own goal, a goal from Rodrigo De Paul, and a late strike from Tadeo Allende, plus three crucial saves by goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, the 2020 expansion franchise overcame the Whitecaps, giving Messi only his second victory in nine competitive encounters against Müller in his career.

This achievement represented Messi's 47th career trophy, further cementing his status as the most successful player in history. Simultaneously, Inter Miami captured their second significant title in franchise history, having previously claimed the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield as regular-season winners.

The outcome also signaled the conclusion of careers for Spanish icons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who retired from professional football with one final championship, concluding their illustrious club and international careers with 36 and 24 trophies, respectively.

Messi, De Paul, and Busquets also made history as the first players to capture both an MLS Cup and a World Cup during their careers. Additionally, Allende's late 3–1 goal brought his MLS Cup playoff tally to nine goals, surpassing Carlos Ruiz's previous record of eight, established during the 2002 postseason with the LA Galaxy.

Miami started the contest with aggressive high pressing designed to force Vancouver into mistakes. However, their opening score came from a counter-attack, as De Paul delivered a through ball to Allende, before an attempted cross ricocheted off Vancouver's Ediér Ocampo and found the net in the ninth minute.

Vancouver responded in the opening half, but efforts from Müller, Brian White, and Emmanuel Sabbi couldn't beat Novo, despite finishing the half with a 0.57–0.21 advantage in expected goals.

Though ahead at the break, Miami found it difficult to match Vancouver's intensity, and the Whitecaps maintained their dominance in possession and scoring opportunities throughout the second half.

Following persistent efforts, Vancouver eventually broke through in the 60th minute, as White delivered a cross to Ali Ahmed, who netted his first goal of the campaign and became only the second Canadian to find the back of the net in an MLS Cup final.

The deadlock was short-lived, however. Inter Miami capitalized on a counter-attack in the 71st minute, with Messi threading a pass to De Paul, who confidently fired it past Takaoka. Allende sealed the victory in injury time on a breakaway after Messi lifted the ball over Vancouver's last defender.

This marked Miami's first victory in three matches against Vancouver in 2025; the teams had previously lost 2–0 and 3–1 in a two-leg semifinal during the Concacaf Champions Cup.

While 2,000 Whitecaps supporters traveled to Chase Stadium, the largest gathering occurred in Vancouver, where more than 20,400 filled BC Place for a morning viewing party, a figure comparable to the attendance at the match in Fort Lauderdale.

What's Next for Inter Miami, Vancouver?

Both teams now enter the MLS offseason and must finalize roster decisions next week, before engaging in MLS Free Agency, the MLS Superdraft, and other offseason team-building opportunities.

For the Herons, Saturday's victory marked their final appearance at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, before inaugurating Miami Freedom Park in Miami for the beginning of the 2026 season. They will kick off the campaign against Son Heung-min's LAFC on Feb. 21 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, before christening their new venue on April 4 versus Austin FC.

For the Whitecaps, pressure continues to mount regarding securing a favorable lease agreement for their home venue, BC Place, as the current contract at the 2026 FIFA World Cup stadium expires at the conclusion of 2025. Currently, the Whitecaps are scheduled to begin the 2026 MLS season at home on Feb. 21 against Real Salt Lake.

Both franchises have also earned qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.