Inter Miami CF Captures First MLS Cup Title Led by Lionel Messi
Inter Miami CF, led by global soccer icon Lionel Messi, has secured its first Major League Soccer championship. The team defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 in the 2025 MLS Cup Final, marking a historic moment for the franchise and solidifying South Florida's status as a major soccer market. This victory represents the culmination of Messi's transformative impact since his arrival in 2023 and highlights the continued parity within MLS, where eight different franchises have won the title in the last nine seasons.
In a defining moment for Major League Soccer, Inter Miami CF has been crowned champion. The club, propelled by the legendary Lionel Messi, defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 on Saturday to claim its first-ever MLS Cup title. This victory at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale marks the pinnacle of a rapid ascent for the franchise, a journey inextricably linked to the arrival of one of soccer's greatest-ever players.
A Legacy Secured, A Championship Desired
Lionel Messi’s legacy as one of soccer's all-time greats was already cemented long before his move to Inter Miami. With a World Cup victory and countless other trophies to his name, he did not need an MLS Cup to validate his career. However, as reported by CBS News, he wanted one—and on December 6, 2025, he got it. The championship concludes a stunning 2 1/2 year chapter that began when Messi's decision to join MLS sent shockwaves through the sports world.
The Decisive Moment in Fort Lauderdale
The match was sealed by a moment of classic Messi brilliance in the 72nd minute. After stealing possession, Messi threaded a precise pass through a narrow gap in the Vancouver defense to find teammate Rodrigo De Paul in stride. De Paul finished clinically into the far corner, prompting an elated Messi to leap into his arms in celebration. A late goal by Tadeo Allende, assisted again by Messi, provided the final 3-1 margin. The victory sparked jubilant scenes among the pink-clad Inter Miami faithful, most adorned in Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey.
Transforming a Sports Landscape
This championship does more than just add a trophy to Inter Miami's case; it signifies a cultural shift. South Florida, a region accustomed to celebrating titles in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, has now emphatically stamped its ticket as a premier soccer destination. Messi's presence and success have been the catalyst for this transformation, drawing unprecedented global attention to the club and MLS.
MLS Parity and Historic Context
Inter Miami's triumph continues a notable trend of competitive balance in Major League Soccer. The club becomes the 16th different franchise to win the MLS Cup in the league's 30-year history. This victory extends a run where five different teams have won the title in the last five years, and eight different franchises have been crowned champions over the past nine seasons, with only Columbus managing to win twice in that span.
