Messi Lights Up the Pitch as Inter Miami Claims MLS Cup Against Vancouver
Lionel Messi guided Inter Miami to their inaugural MLS Cup triumph on Saturday with a standout performance in a 3-1 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Florida.
The Argentine icon set up two goals and contributed to a third igniting joyous scenes among the enthusiastic supporters at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
"This is the achievement I have anticipated and the one our squad has eagerly awaited," Messi remarked post match after being honoured as MLS Cup Most Valuable Player.
Miami surged ahead early via an unfortunate own goal by Edier Ocampo yet found themselves shaken by Ali Ahmeds equalising strike for Vancouver in the second half.
Messi responded by assisting his fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul to restore Miamis lead at 2-1 then delivered the key pass for Tadeo Allendes stoppage time effort that confirmed the win.
Inter Miamis debut Major League Soccer championship offers sparkling validation for co owner David Beckham the ex England and Manchester United standout who envisioned prosperity for the Miami franchise.
"Numerous restless nights occurred but my faith remained steadfast," Beckham noted. "I consistently trusted in establishing the team here and with suitable collaborators I realised boundless potential existed.
"We pledged to our supporters delivering triumphs and elite talents and today we fulfilled that commitment."
Vancouver led by German icon Thomas Mueller appeared the stronger side post recovery from Ocampo's eighth minute mishap levelling via Ali Ahmed at the 60 minute mark.
The Whitecaps nearly seized the advantage shortly thereafter as Emmanuel Sabbis attempt struck both uprights in the 62nd minute sparing Miami.
Expensive Errors
Despite Vancouver dominating the Whitecaps were shocked when Miami retook control following a lapse from midfielder Andres Cubas.
Cubas hesitated with the ball and lost it to Messi who advanced freely before finding De Paul for the precise conversion.
Vancouver failed to rebound from that setback and Miami ignited celebrations in added time as Messi located Allende for the third goal rendering it 3-1.
Whitecaps manager Jesper Sorensen indicated his side never truly recovered after conceding to De Pauls effort contrary to the flow.
"We committed several errors and they capitalised on them," Sorensen explained.
"An error led to the ball falling to Messi who then assisted Rodrigo. Matches hinge on brief instances and facing Miami means they possess the talent to exploit such opportunities."
The success crowns Inter Miamis ascent since joining as an expansion team in 2020 notably after attracting World Cup victor Messi to the club in 2023.
Saturdays success also signals farewells for two pivotal members in Miamis MLS ascent with Messis ex Barcelona colleagues and Spain internationals Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets entering retirement.
"A primary aim was to bid adieu to two cherished companions now embarking on retirement," the eight time Ballon dOr recipient Messi stated regarding Alba and Busquets victorious exit.
"This held immense significance for them and the entire group. We part ways optimally with two of the finest footballers ever."