(Fort Lauderdale) Inter Miami became MLS champions for the first time in its history on Saturday.
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Tadeo Allende scored in the 96the minute, putting the finishing touches to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Argentine star Lionel Messi therefore triumphed against the legendary German Thomas Mueller and his gang.
“I feel like we blew it – so we’re going to come back stronger next year,” Muller said.
“No one predicted a season like this for us. Maybe this isn’t the best time to talk about the next season, but I believe we still have a way to go. We have a very young, very talented and very hungry group. »
Messi controlled the ball with his chest and made a short lob towards Allende, who brought the score to the final count.
Edier Ocampo, of the Whitecaps, scored against his team in the eighth minute, trying to stop a cross from Allende. The ball took a turn and ended up behind Yohei Takaoka.
Ali Ahmed leveled at 60e on a pass from Brian White, with the help of a shot partially saved by goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
At the 70eMessi stole the ball from Andres Cubas and made a perfect delivery between two defenders to Rodrigo De Paul, who converted the breakaway.
Messi was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
“It’s wonderful for all of us,” he said. It was a very long year, with several matches, but we were constantly up to the task. I was waiting for this moment, myself, but also collectively. The team deserves this moment. »
The Whitecaps had the advantage 11-4 and 4-3 in total shots and those on target.
“We were facing a very good team,” said Inter head coach Javier Mascherano. We did better for almost half an hour, then they got back up, little by little. They started to have chances. And in the second half, they put pressure on for 15 or 20 minutes. »
Both clubs took part in the ultimate match for the first time. Second in the West (18-7-9), the Whitecaps defeated San Diego 3-1 in the West final. Third in the East (19-7-8), Inter beat New York City FC 5-1 in the Eastern final.
Chase Stadium hosted one last MLS match. Next year, Inter will have Miami Freedom Park as their home. A packed house of 21,556 people attended the final, including around 2,000 supporters of the Canadian clan.
It was also broadcast on a giant screen at BC Place, where 20,452 fans saw the game this way.
The MLS Cup was brought onto the field by NBA legend and Whitecaps co-owner Steve Nash.
