Lionel Messi has added another prestigious trophy to his storied career, guiding Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final. This triumph marks a significant achievement for Messi and his teammates, who are now the first players to have won both a World Cup and an MLS Cup during their careers.
Messi’s arrival in South Florida in the summer of 2023 was highly anticipated, following his triumph at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. At the time, Inter Miami was struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Despite this, Messi’s impact was immediate, leading the team to secure the inaugural Leagues Cup before even playing a regular season match.
While Inter Miami experienced ups and downs in subsequent tournaments, including surprising early exits from the Concacaf Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, the pressure to clinch the MLS Cup this fall intensified. The impending retirements of Messi’s former Barcelona teammates—Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets—added to the urgency of the situation.
In the final match, Messi was instrumental in Inter Miami’s success. After the Whitecaps equalized early in the second half, Messi’s decisive play restored Miami’s lead. His ability to perform in critical moments proved essential to securing the championship.
The financial aspect of soccer was highlighted during the final. Inter Miami has emerged as the top spender in Major League Soccer (MLS), and Messi’s presence has elevated expectations. The performance by Miami serves as a counterargument to the belief among some MLS owners that increased investment does not guarantee success. With the Whitecaps known for their frugality, an upset victory would have supported this view, but Miami’s financial commitment and talent prevailed.
As the soccer community looks ahead, Messi’s potential participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup looms large. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see Messi, who will be 39 years old by then, aiming to defend his World Cup title. He has indicated ongoing discussions with Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, regarding his future plans.
Despite falling short in the MLS Cup, Vancouver Whitecaps displayed commendable resilience throughout the 2025 season. The team, largely composed of overlooked players, reached the MLS Cup final and came close to claiming the Concacaf title. Their season included notable achievements, such as signing German football icon Thomas Müller from Bayern Munich and winning another Canadian Championship.
Vancouver’s performance this season has elevated players like midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and defender Tristan Blackmon into discussions for the United States national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Their accomplishments have enhanced the team’s profile in Vancouver, a city where MLS relevance has historically been a challenge.
Looking ahead, both Inter Miami and the league have pivotal moments approaching. Miami will unveil a new stadium in the spring, and MLS will adjust its schedule in preparation for the World Cup. The upcoming season will be a transition period as the league shifts to a fall-to-spring calendar starting in 2027-28.
In summary, the MLS Cup victory not only solidifies Messi’s legacy but also sets the stage for a compelling future for both Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps as they navigate the evolving landscape of American soccer.
