Lionel Messi’s assists decided the MLS Cup final and denied Thomas Müller the crowning glory of his first few months with the Vancouver Whitecaps. At home, Inter Miami won 3-1 (1-0) against the team of the former world champions, who had won the title in a final against Messi’s Argentina in 2014. Messi was buried for a long time in the final, but in front of just over 21,000 spectators he delivered the decisive pass to make it 2-1 through his compatriot Rodrigo de Paul (71st minute) and also to make it 3-1 in stoppage time through Tadeo Allende (90.+6). Édier Ocampo (8th) had previously given Miami the lead with an own goal, before which Messi also played the important deep pass. Ali Ahmed rewarded Vancouver’s strong performance with the interim equalizer (60′).
The early goal caused noticeable uncertainty among the guests; in contrast to the win against San Diego FC a week earlier, the Canadian team had no access to the game at all. Every possession of the ball by Messi brought loud cheers. Quick passes with his former Barça colleagues Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, for each of whom it was the last game of their careers, stressed the Whitecaps defense. The fact that Ocampo deflected the ball at 0-1 was emblematic of the initial phase. The longer the game lasted, the more confident Vancouver played. Müller sometimes directed his teammates like a police officer in traffic when the lights were out, and the Whitecaps had their own chances. Miami’s professionals, on the other hand, became increasingly entangled in discussions with the referee, and Messi hardly had any scenes anymore.
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In the 33rd minute, Whitecaps top scorer Brian White failed with a header, and in the 38th minute, Müller then brought the ball into position with a header from Emmanuel Sabbi. But Sabbi couldn’t get past goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo from a few meters. Another three minutes later, Müller’s header wasn’t dangerous enough. “Not the start we wanted, but I think we’re playing better now, have our rhythm – we just need a breakthrough,” said Whitecaps coach Jesper Sörensen at half-time. After the break, things continued to go towards the hosts’ goal, but initially without a brilliant idea. A header from Messi briefly caused tremors among the Whitecaps fans who had traveled with him. The Whitecaps finally rewarded themselves in the 60th minute when Ahmed equalized. Shortly after the kick-off there was almost reason to celebrate again, but Sabbi hit the post three times within seconds after a fine solo effort.
An already clarified situation ultimately made the decision: Messi won the ball, sent de Paul into the penalty area with a fine pass – and the world champion made it 2-1. In stoppage time, Messi once again showed his class by preparing the third goal.
