It was the only accomplishment missing from Argentina’s number 10 in U.S. soccer.
December 6
2025
– 7:00 p.m.
(updated at 7:01 p.m.)
THE InterMiami won the first MLS title in its history this Saturday, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in Fort Lauderdale. In the long-awaited duel between Lionel Messi and Thomas Mullerthe Argentinian star decided again and led the team to the trophy that had been missing since his arrival in the United States.
Messi has reached 407 assists in his career. The Argentine has developed some impressive numbers: he now has 51 finals and 52 direct goal contributions – 35 goals and 17 assists. The MLS title represents the 48th trophy of his professional career.
The match started electric and Miami needed just seven minutes to open the scoring. Messi started the game with a spectacular dribble from the sidelines, followed by De Paul. The midfielder found Allende deep and Chile’s cross was headed towards Silvetti, but Ocampo, trying to cut in, pushed against his own goal.
Even with an advantage on the scoreboard, Inter Miami suffered from Vancouver’s growth. Müller, always intelligent in playing between the lines, found Sabbi in the small area after a cross from the right. The striker, however, took time to finish and saved goalkeeper Ríos Novo, who was already establishing himself as one of the best on the pitch at the end of the first half.
In the second half, the game gained even more intensity. Messi almost scored after ten minutes, after a cross from Jordi Alba was poorly cleared by goalkeeper Takaoka. The ball was free for the number 10 to head towards the empty goal, but he went close to the left post – a rare mistake for the Argentine.
Vancouver took advantage of the opportunity and equalized shortly after. In the 14th, Ahmed received it from the Whites in the area, raced past Falcón and hit it firmly into the right corner, with no chance for Ríos Novo. The Canadian reaction almost changed a few minutes later, when Sabbi made an individual play, crossed the ball and hit both posts before Falcon flew away.
When the Whitecaps were superior and on the verge of recovery, Messi’s spirit and competitiveness shone through again. At 25, the Argentinian put pressure on Cubas on the pitch, stole the ball from him and left Rodrigo De Paul in front of the goalkeeper with a nice touch. The midfielder shot accurately and put Inter Miami back in front.
After the goal, Miami moved closer and relied on the experience of Messi, De Paul, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to control the pace and calm the opposing reaction. Vancouver tried to equalize until the end, but Javier Mascherano’s team resisted and confirmed the unprecedented title with Allende’s goal in stoppage time, after another assist from Messi.