The Argentine star starts the game to score the opening goal and provides two assists in his team’s 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Inter Miami wrote a historic chapter this Saturday (6), by lifting the Major League Soccer (MLS) trophy for the first time. In Fort Lauderdale, the team led by Lionel Messi beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in a final marked by intensity and great individual moments.
In the long-awaited duel against the German Thomas Müller, the Argentine star was once again the protagonist. With two assists, technical leadership and a competitive mentality, Messi led Miami to the title it had lacked since arriving in the United States.
The numbers of number 10 are indeed impressive: 407 assists in his career, 51 finals played, 52 direct goal participations in decisions (35 goals and 17 assists) and 48 trophies won as a professional.
The final scenario
After just seven minutes, Messi started the play that resulted in Ocampo’s goal, giving Miami the lead. Vancouver responded and the only reason they didn’t leave it all on the scoreboard in the first half was because of Ríos Novo’s spectacular saves, the highlight of the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, the Whitecaps grew: Ahmed equalized in the 14th minute and Sabbi almost scored a goal that hit both posts. When the rival was superior, Messi reappeared. At 25, he put pressure on the ball, robbed Cubas and, with a touch of trivela, left Rodrigo De Paul free to score Miami’s second goal.
The genius of Messi and his moving farewell to Busquets and Alba
In stoppage time, Allende closed the score at 3-1 after another assist from Messi, thus sealing an unprecedented feat. After regaining the advantage, Inter Miami was able to control the match. The experience of names like Messi, De Paul, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba was fundamental in calming the opposing pressure and securing the title under the orders of Javier Mascherano.
This unprecedented feat in MLS had a special flavor for two Spanish idols: Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Both had already announced that they would hang up their boots at the end of this season and experienced a moving farewell moment during the grand final.
Long-time teammates of Lionel Messi and also coach Javier Mascherano during his time at Barcelona, the two veterans have been named in the starting XI. The duo in fact remained on the field for the 90 minutes of the decision.
Alba, in particular, left his mark: he made the move that led to Miami’s third goal, completed by Allende in stoppage time. As soon as the ball hit the net and sealed the 3-1 victory, the full-back could not hold back his tears, aware that this was one of the last chapters of his brilliant career.
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