Messi's Miami Magic Culminates in MLS Cup Glory as Barcelona Legends Alba and Busquets Bow Out in Style
FORT LAUDERDALE – Jordi Alba's final career pass was absolutely flawless.
Lionel Messi positioned himself in the middle of the field, and Alba delivered a precise chip to the Argentine's chest, setting up Tadeo Allende to complete the scoring play. The Alba-Messi connection, which flourished during their Barcelona days, created one last magical moment to cherish.
This moment also secured their ultimate prize, as Inter Miami triumphed over the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 to claim the 2025 MLS Cup in what would be the final game for both Alba and his longtime teammate Sergio Busquets.
"Considering their legacy—both were among the all-time greats in their respective positions, with incredible careers and numerous championships—it's fantastic that they can conclude their playing days with this MLS championship," Messi commented following the match, where he earned the 2025 MLS Cup MVP honor.
"Today marks the end of something truly special for them, something they devoted their entire lives to. Now they begin a new chapter. I wish them nothing but success, as they are dear friends of mine. I'm thrilled they can finish with this championship."
This achievement and that particular goal represented the realization of everything Inter Miami's co-owners, David Beckham, Jorge and Jose Mas, had envisioned. An opportunity to witness the era's greatest player hoist MLS's most prestigious trophy, wearing pink as silver confetti descended on a sweltering December afternoon.
Inter Miami's Messi Project
This victory also marked a personal milestone for Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient had no guarantees when he joined MLS and Inter Miami in 2023, entering a developing league with a franchise that had achieved nothing previously.
During his inaugural complete season, he captured the MLS MVP trophy with 20 goals and 16 assists across 19 appearances, though the campaign concluded with playoff disappointment in the opening round. The following year, he delivered one of the league's most impressive performances, accumulating 35 goals and 28 assists over 34 games throughout the regular season and postseason.
"Three years ago, I chose to join MLS, and now we stand as MLS champions," Messi stated.
"Capturing the MLS title was among our primary goals. The squad put forth tremendous effort—it was an extensive year with numerous matches—and we rose to the challenge throughout the season. This is the moment I had been anticipating, and that we, as a collective, were awaiting. It's incredibly meaningful for everyone. They earned it."
In the team's final game before inaugurating Miami Freedom Park, they embodied their organization's philosophy: "Freedom to Dream"—as their aspirations materialized before one last capacity crowd at Chase Stadium.
"This represented my vision," Beckham shared with FOX Soccer. "My vision was to establish a club in this city and achieve success, while also attracting the world's finest player, so tonight felt almost dreamlike and it's a memory I'll treasure always."
MLS Cup: Not Without Uncertainty for Inter Miami
Despite all the sentiment and brilliance that erupted in Saturday's triumph, there were moments when success seemed questionable.
Under rookie head coach Javier Mascherano, Miami assembled an imbalanced squad that struggled early in the campaign and lost to these same Whitecaps in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal.
Though they showed improvement, the championship-winning team would not be the same without the planet's premier player and likely wouldn't have reached that stage. Messi, even in his later football years, remains exceptionally talented.
Prior to 2025, there was the 2024 playoff elimination and the 2023 U.S. Open Cup defeat. The Herons also suffered a Leagues Cup loss to the Seattle Sounders in 2025. The opportunities with Messi and the mid-2010s Barcelona veterans were limited, making MLS Cup their final chance at greatness.
During Saturday's contest, the Whitecaps controlled much of the play. Miami scored their opening goal via an own goal, but for sixty minutes, it appeared Vancouver might send the Herons home empty-handed, particularly when Emmanuel Sabbi's chance to make it 2–1 struck both goalposts.
"We understood this would be an extremely challenging match, and they had a shot hit both posts, but that's the fortune you require to capture a title," stated Mascherano, whose media session was disrupted by celebratory beer showers from his players.
"We reached the brink of the Concacaf Champions Cup. We came close in the Leagues Cup and competed exceptionally in the Club World Cup... I want to commend the players for their ability to navigate difficult situations."
A Fresh Chapter for Inter Miami in 2026
If anyone understands building a championship culture with an MLS franchise, it's Beckham, who captured two MLS Cup titles with LA Galaxy and stands among the league's most influential figures.
Now, having achieved the distinction of winning MLS Cup both as a player and owner, his ambitions and expectations for Inter Miami's potential continue to grow. Similarly, the players' aspirations expand as they pursue another MLS Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2026.
"This must serve as motivation for the organization," Mascherano explained. "Don't be satisfied with capturing the first league championship, but strive for additional success. I believe the club has made proper decisions—not just this season, but over recent years. Capitalize on this energy for what lies ahead."
When they return next season, however, it will be a transformed Inter Miami. Messi remains under contract through the 2027–28 MLS campaign, but Alba and Busquets won't return, and Luis Suárez seems unlikely to come back as well.
Yet even with new personnel, the objective remains unchanged: Freedom to Dream.