Inter Miami is now the Inter Miami MLS Cup champion. The club secured its first-ever title on December 6, 2025, in a thrilling Inter Miami MLS Cup final, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at Chase Stadium. This victory marks a monumental achievement and a significant moment for Miami soccer history.
Lionel Messi was instrumental in the Inter Miami MLS Cup win, earning MLS Cup MVP honors. Messi provided two crucial assists, one a brilliant display of his skill to set up a Rodrigo De Paul goal, and also helped create the opening goal. The superstar delivered a world-class performance, embodying his reason for coming to MLS: winning the ultimate prize. He has now won his 47th career trophy, extending his own world record and solidifying his legacy in this Inter Miami MLS Cup victory.
Match Narrative: A Hard-Fought Inter Miami MLS Cup Victory
Inter Miami took an early lead in the Inter Miami MLS Cup final. An own goal by Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo gave Miami the advantage in the eighth minute after a cross from Tadeo Allende deflected into the net. Vancouver battled back strongly, controlling possession for significant periods.
Ali Ahmed scored Vancouver’s equalizer in the 60th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. The Whitecaps then pressed for a winner. Emmanuel Sabbi hit both posts with a shot, but Miami escaped a dangerous moment thanks to key saves from goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.
Rodrigo De Paul scored the go-ahead goal in the 71st minute of the Inter Miami MLS Cup final. Messi initiated the play with a steal and then threaded a precise pass to De Paul. De Paul finished clinically, putting Miami ahead 2-1 and ultimately securing the game-winner in this historic Inter Miami MLS Cup match.
Tadeo Allende sealed the Inter Miami MLS Cup victory, scoring in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Messi provided his second assist of the match, chipping the ball over the defense for Allende. Allende’s strike made it 3-1, ensuring the historic win for Miami and their first-ever Inter Miami MLS Cup.
Key Figures and Their Contributions to the Inter Miami MLS Cup Triumph
Lionel Messi was the undisputed star of the Inter Miami MLS Cup final, controlling the game’s biggest moments. His two assists were critical, and he was deservedly named MLS Cup MVP for his performance. Messi, De Paul, and Busquets are now World Cup and MLS Cup winners, a unique achievement in soccer history and a significant part of the Inter Miami MLS Cup narrative.
Rodrigo De Paul provided the crucial game-winner in the Inter Miami MLS Cup final. His goal was his first in MLS action after joining Inter Miami mid-season. Tadeo Allende had a record-breaking performance throughout the playoffs, with his nine playoff goals setting a new MLS record, surpassing Carlos Ruiz’s mark of eight. Allende’s contributions were vital for the Inter Miami MLS Cup run.
Spanish legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets played their final match, retiring as champions with one last title in the Inter Miami MLS Cup. Coach Javier Mascherano guided the team to this trophy, his first as head coach. Owner David Beckham saw his Inter Miami championship vision realized.
Vancouver’s effort was commendable. German legend Thomas Müller led their charge, and Ali Ahmed scored their lone goal. Emmanuel Sabbi had chances, hitting the post twice, but it wasn’t enough to deny Miami the Inter Miami MLS Cup.
Records and Milestones Achieved in the Inter Miami MLS Cup Season
Inter Miami’s attack was historic en route to their Inter Miami MLS Cup win. The team scored a postseason record 20 goals, surpassing the LA Galaxy’s 2024 record of 18. The club played an MLS-record 58 games in all competitions during 2025 and set a record with 101 combined regular-season and postseason goals, showcasing their offensive power in their path to the Inter Miami MLS Cup.
Miami became the 16th franchise to win the MLS Cup. This victory marks the culmination of the club’s swift rise, reaching its first MLS Cup final in just its sixth season. It also represents the first MLS title for Lionel Messi in the United States, a crowning achievement in his illustrious career and the highlight of the Inter Miami MLS Cup campaign.
A Historic Season for Miami Sports, Culminating in the Inter Miami MLS Cup
The Inter Miami championship win is a massive boost for Miami as a sports city. The club’s journey has been rapid, with a Leagues Cup win in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, but this Inter Miami MLS Cup title is the most coveted prize. The club’s success is a testament to the David Beckham vision.
The club will move to a new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, opening next season. Chase Stadium hosted its final match for Inter Miami, and this Inter Miami MLS Cup championship provides a fitting farewell to their temporary home. The club’s co-owner, David Beckham, expressed his long-held belief in the team’s potential.
The 2025 season was turbulent, featuring 58 games for five different trophies. Miami faced Vancouver before in the Concacaf Champions Cup, where Vancouver won decisively. This Inter Miami MLS Cup victory offered a measure of revenge and cemented their status.
Conclusion: A New Era Dawns with the Inter Miami MLS Cup
Inter Miami’s first Inter Miami MLS Cup is more than just a trophy; it’s a testament to their ambition and signifies a new era for the club. Lionel Messi delivered on his promise to bring success, and this historic Inter Miami championship win cements Inter Miami’s place in MLS lore. It sets a high bar for future seasons, and Miami is undeniably a soccer town now, with celebrations undoubtedly continuing for their Inter Miami MLS Cup triumph.
