A historic title. Six months before the World Cup, co-organized by the United States, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were crowned MLS champions for the first time in history, thanks to a success in the final against Vancouver this Saturday at home (3-1).
After ten Spanish championship titles with FC Barcelona, then two in France with PSG, Lionel Messi succeeded in his mission with a first title for Miami, which built its team around the Argentinian star, arriving in the summer of 2023.
Aged 38, the 2022 world champion is shining in the United States, has extended his stay in Florida until 2028, and should be one of the big stars of the 2026 World Cup, even if he maintains the mystery over his presence for a sixth World Cup final phase, which would be a record.
Surrounded by five compatriots who started on Saturday, and coached by his friend and ex-teammate Javier Mascherano, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered two assists, including a delicious one in added time to deliver his audience.
The day after the draw for the 2026 World Cup, Miami started the grand final of the North American championship perfectly by pushing Edier Ocampo to score against his side (18th).
Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets now retired
Vancouver maintained the pressure after the locker room and clearly dominated this part of the match, ending up equalizing with Ali Ahmed (60th), well found by White after a supporting play. Miami then took the advantage against the run of play by taking advantage of a grotesque loss of ball from another Argentinian, Andrés Cubas, surprised by Messi who knew how to send his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul towards the goal for a cross strike (71st).
Messi saved a little gem for the end, collecting a pass from Jordi Alba with his chest before sending his compatriot Tadeo Allende on goal, his 9th during these playoffs, an MLS record. Historical friends of Messi since their Barcelona days, the Spaniards Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retire with a final trophy while the Uruguayan Luis Suarez, replacing Saturday, continues.
