Lionel Messi inspires Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory as David Beckham leads emotional celebrations
Lionel Messi assisted two goals as he and Inter Miami beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 to win the MLS Cup.
An own-goal from Edier Ocampo put the Floridian side ahead, before goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende sealed the deal.
Messi set up his fellow Argentines for their goals as Inter Miami ended their wait to become MLS champions.
They finished third in the Eastern Conference standings, but stormed through the play-offs to reach Saturday’s showcase match.
Inter Miami’s coaches and substitutes wasted no time in sprinting onto the Chase Stadium pitch when the final whistle blew as they celebrated another trophy.
They have now lifted the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield and Leagues Cup since Messi joined the club in the summer of 2023.
Tear we go
Head coach Javier Mascherano was overcome with emotion and was seen hugging his staff during the momentous occasion – and even celebrated on the floor with a tearful Jordi Alba – who was competing in his final game as a professional.
David Beckham, the England and Manchester United legend who co-owns the club, was also amongst the celebrations in Miami.
“All the emotion came out in the final few minutes of the game,” he said afterwards.
“All credit to Vancouver, they played a great game and put us under a lot of pressure. And after their goal they were on top of us.
“But there was a change and when you give the ball to Leo he creates chances. The team stuck together and they have done that all year.”
Beckham added: “There was a lot of sleepless nights. I always believed in Miami and bringing a team here. And I found the right partners.
“Freedom to dream. We always promised our fans we would bring the best players and bring success.
“Next year is a new year and we will go again but tonight, we celebrate.”
Shortly before the trophy presentation, Messi and Beckham hugged on the pitch, with the latter showing off a beaming smile.
It was also an extra special occasion for Sergio Busquets, who just like fellow Spanish legend Alba, was playing his final game before hanging up his boots.
No Messing about
Record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has been nothing short of sensational in MLS since he called time on his incredibly successful stint in Europe.
The 38-year-old excelled once again for Inter Miami in the 2025 season – chipping in with 43 goals and 26 assists in all competitions.
He now has an incredible 77 goals and 44 assists to his name in 88 appearances in two-and-a-half years at the club.
Messi provided seven assists and 13 goal contributions in the play-offs, the highest totals for each metric in the competition this year.
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