Dec 8, 2025 - Sports

Inter Miami, Messi win first-ever MLS Cup

Sommer Brugal

Inter Miami players celebrating and Lionel Messi holding a trophy. — Inter Miami won its first MLS Cup Final. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on Saturday in front of thousands of fans at Chase Stadium to secure the franchise's first-ever MLS Cup title.

Captain Lionel Messi was named Cup MVP.

Why it matters: The Cup is the team's highest domestic title and comes just one year after being eliminated in the first round of the tournament last season.

Inter won the Leagues Cup — a North American club tournament — in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024 as the best regular-season team in MLS.

State of play: Miami took a 1-0 lead early following own goal by Vancouver's Edier Ocampo.

Rodrigo De Paul scored in the 71st minute with an assist from Messi, who didn't score but secured eight assists throughout the playoffs — an MLS record, per the Miami Herald.
Tadeo Allende then scored in the 96th minute.

Between the lines: Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who both signed with Inter Miami alongside Messi in the summer of 2023, retired after Saturday's game.

What they're saying: "The team made a huge effort, it was a very long year with many matches, and we were up to the task all season," Messi said after the game, per the Herald.

"This is the moment that I had been waiting for and that we, as a team, were waiting for. It's very beautiful for all of us."

What's next: The team is expected to host its home opener next season at the new Miami Freedom Park on April 4 at 7:30pm against Austin FC.

Add Axios on Google

Inter Miami, Messi win first-ever MLS Cup

More Miami stories