Quick Read
- Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title with a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps.
- Messi provided two assists, including the go-ahead goal, and was named the match’s most valuable player.
- The final marked the last professional appearance of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who retired as champions.
- Thomas Müller praised Messi’s decisive impact and reflected on his own first MLS season with Vancouver.
- This MLS Cup win is Messi’s 47th career trophy and his third title since joining Inter Miami.
Messi’s MLS Journey Culminates in Historic Triumph
Lionel Messi, one of football’s most storied icons, reached another milestone in his glittering career on Saturday, December 7, 2025. At Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Messi led Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final, securing the club’s first-ever championship in Major League Soccer (theScore, Sportstar). It was a night when narratives converged: the end of legendary careers, the renewal of fierce rivalries, and a display of individual brilliance that reminded the world why Messi remains a transformative figure even at 38.
Rivalry Rekindled: Messi vs. Müller on American Soil
The matchup carried a deeper resonance. Thomas Müller, captain of the Vancouver Whitecaps, has long been Messi’s nemesis on the global stage. Müller’s Germany had bested Messi’s Argentina in two World Cups — including the 2014 final. But this time, the script flipped. In a contest that felt both like a new chapter and a familiar duel, Messi’s mastery shaped the outcome. He delivered two crucial assists, including a pivotal pass to Rodrigo De Paul in the 72nd minute and another in stoppage time, helping seal Inter Miami’s victory (beIN Sports, Sportstar). Müller, despite his own pedigree, conceded in a post-match video: “Leo Messi gave three assists, and I didn’t give any. He won that duel. He sealed the title — there’s no point pretending otherwise.”
The Road to Glory: Inter Miami’s Ascent and Messi’s Impact
Messi’s arrival in Miami three years ago marked a turning point for a franchise languishing near the bottom of the league. Under the stewardship of co-owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham, and the guidance of first-year coach Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami undertook a dramatic transformation. Last year, the team exited the league early, but the 2025 campaign saw a concerted push for the title. Messi’s contribution was central: his vision and creativity unlocked defenses, while his leadership galvanized both veterans and newcomers. The final itself was emblematic of this journey. Inter Miami took the lead via an early own goal, but Vancouver equalized in the 60th minute, setting the stage for a tense finish. Messi’s precise passing broke the deadlock, and the Herons surged ahead to clinch the championship (theScore). The win wasn’t just a personal achievement for Messi; it was a collective validation for a squad that had endured setbacks and responded with resilience.
Farewell to Legends: Alba and Busquets Bow Out
The evening was tinged with emotion, not only for the victors but for those saying goodbye. Spanish greats Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who had announced their retirements at the end of the season, shared the field with Messi for one last time. Alba, overcome by emotion, collapsed to the ground in tears as the magnitude of the moment settled in. Messi spoke warmly of his departing teammates: “Today something very beautiful ends for them, something to which they dedicated their whole lives. Now a new life begins for them. I wish them the very best, because they are two friends I care for deeply. I’m happy they can leave with this title.” Their farewell underscored the sense of transition and legacy that defined the night (theScore, Sportstar).
Müller’s Reflection and the Whitecaps’ Journey
Though Vancouver fell short, Müller’s message after the final was marked by grace and sportsmanship. He acknowledged Messi as the decisive figure and thanked the Whitecaps supporters for their backing in his first MLS season. Müller’s impact was felt throughout the campaign: seven goals, three assists, and a leadership presence that helped Vancouver reach the final. Coach Jesper Sørensen echoed Müller’s sentiment, praising his team’s hard work and lamenting the critical moment when Messi’s quality made the difference: “We worked hard today. We had the game at 1-1 where we wanted it. … Then we made a mistake and the ball dropped for Messi. And he played a very, very good pass for Rodrigo.”
Legacy Cemented: Messi’s Ongoing Influence
The MLS Cup is the 47th trophy of Messi’s storied career, adding another line to a résumé that already boasts World Cups, Champions League titles, and eight Ballon d’Ors. In the United States, Messi has now captured the Leagues Cup (2023), Supporters’ Shield (2024), and the MLS Cup (2025). His legacy is no longer confined to Europe and South America; it now includes a transformative chapter in American soccer. For Inter Miami, the title represents not just a breakthrough but the realization of an ambitious vision. For Messi, it is proof that, even after decades at the top, he can still define big moments and lift teams to new heights.
Messi’s triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup is more than a statistical achievement; it’s a testament to his enduring influence and ability to inspire those around him. In a season marked by farewells, fierce competition, and the weight of expectation, Messi proved that greatness is not just about skill, but about rising to the moment — again and again.