Inter Miami sealed a historic 3–1 triumph over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS final at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday (December 7, 2025, early WIB).
Although the scoreline appears comfortable, the match was far from easy for the home side. Vancouver delivered a stubborn challenge throughout the contest, but Lionel Messi’s brilliance once again made all the difference. The Argentine maestro didn’t score, yet he orchestrated Miami’s attacking rhythm and produced two decisive assists—one for Rodrigo De Paul and one for Tadeo Allende.
The third Miami goal came from an unfortunate Edier Ocampo own goal, while Vancouver’s lone strike was produced by Ali Ahmed. With this result, Messi finally lifts his first MLS Cup, and the third major trophy of his Inter Miami career.
First Half: Miami Strike Early but Vancouver Respond Strongly
Inter Miami attempted to impose pressure immediately from kickoff, but Vancouver refused to panic. The visitors circulated possession calmly from the back, trying to draw Miami’s press forward before breaking into open spaces in midfield. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka even stepped high to support build-up play, a risky strategy considering the pace of Allende and Mateo Silvetti lurking up front.
The breakthrough arrived in the eighth minute and ignited the stadium. Messi, demonstrating vintage agility, evaded two defenders before slipping the ball toward De Paul. The Argentine midfielder sent a delicate chipped volley toward Allende, who attempted to square it into the middle. The pass ricocheted off Ocampo and spun into the net—an own goal that handed Miami a 1–0 lead.
Vancouver pushed back, appealing for a penalty in the 27th minute when Emmanuel Sabbi went down after contact with Baltasar Rodriguez. Referee Drew Fischer waved play on. Moments later, Sabbi burst past Jordi Alba and appeared to draw minimal contact, yet the official stood firm.
Toward the end of the half, Vancouver began mounting real pressure. Berhalter’s set-piece delivery found Brian White, but Rocco Rios Novo handled it comfortably. Two rapid-fire chances then fell to Sabbi and Thomas Muller, forcing Rios Novo into spectacular point-blank saves.
Despite the wave of attacks, Miami held onto their narrow 1–0 advantage entering the break.
Second Half: Vancouver Equalize Before Messi Takes Over
Inter Miami nearly doubled the lead in the 56th minute. Alba’s looping cross forced Takaoka off his line, leaving Messi with a free header from 12 yards. Uncharacteristically, the captain guided it inches wide of the far post.
Four minutes later, Vancouver punished the miss with an equalizer. Sabbi slipped the ball to White, who shielded it brilliantly before switching play wide left. Ahmed sprinted onto the ball and struck a curling effort that Rios Novo parried but couldn’t keep out. The score moved to 1–1.
The Whitecaps almost flipped the match entirely moments later. Sabbi danced through midfield and struck a left-footer that beat the keeper, rattling both posts before bouncing out—an escape that kept Miami alive.
That escape proved vital, as Inter Miami regained control in the 71st minute. Messi, pressing higher up the pitch, pounced when Cubas hesitated. He stole possession and immediately threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to De Paul, who rounded Takaoka with composure and scored to restore Miami’s lead at 2–1.
Vancouver launched long balls and desperate attacks late in the match, but Miami’s defense held firm. In stoppage time, the hosts killed the game. Alba launched a deep pass from his own half toward Messi. The captain cushioned it elegantly with his chest before volleying a first-touch pass into Allende’s path.
The winger burst forward and slotted past Takaoka, sealing a 3–1 victory and triggering celebrations across Chase Stadium. The final whistle at 90+8 confirmed Inter Miami as MLS champions after a clinical performance in the most decisive moments.
Match Statistics: Inter Miami vs Vancouver
- Possession: Miami 35% – Vancouver 65%
- Expected Goals: Miami 1.29 – Vancouver 1.21
- Total Shots: Miami 8 – Vancouver 10
- Shots on Target: Miami 3 – Vancouver 4
- Big Chances: Miami 2 – Vancouver 1
- Big Chances Missed: Miami 0 – Vancouver 1
- Accurate Passes: Miami 221 (80%) – Vancouver 448 (87%)
- Fouls: Miami 22 – Vancouver 23
- Corners: Miami 1 – Vancouver 1
Starting Lineups
Inter Miami (4-3-3)
Rocco Rios Novo; Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Ian Fray; Baltasar Rodriguez, Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul; Mateo Silvetti, Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende.
Manager: Javier Mascherano
Vancouver Whitecaps (4-2-3-1)
Yohei Takaoka; Mathias Laborda, Ralph Priso, Tristan Blackmon, Edier Ocampo; Andres Cubas, Sebastian Berhalter; Ali Ahmed, Thomas Muller, Emmanuel Sabbi; Brian White.
Manager: Jesper Sorensen
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