FORT LAUDERDALE, USA – Inter Miami won the MLS Cup this Saturday, after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in a final that will be etched in the memory of the fans. The match, marked by the stellar performance of Lionel Messi, also meant an emotional farewell for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who closed their professional careers with a title alongside the Argentine star. The Chase Stadium was the setting for this historic match, with an attendance of 21,500 spectators who witnessed the triumph of the team led by David Beckham and the brothers José and Jorge Mas, who celebrated the club’s greatest achievement since its debut in the league five years ago.
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A Promising Start
Inter Miami took the lead early in the match. In the 8th minute, a dangerous cross from the right, originating from a play involving Messi, Rodrigo de Paul, and Tadeo Allende, culminated in an own goal by Colombian Édier Ocampo. The connection between Messi and Allende continued to generate opportunities, while the Vancouver Whitecaps responded and challenged goalkeeper Rocco Ríos, who stood out with crucial saves against Brian White, Emmanuel Sabbi, and Thomas Müller.Vancouver Ties and Seeks a Comeback
In the second half, the Vancouver Whitecaps intensified their pressure and managed to tie the game in the 60th minute, thanks to Ali Ahmed, who took advantage of a collective play and an error by goalkeeper Ríos. Two minutes later, Sabbi was close to putting his team ahead on the scoreboard with a powerful shot that hit both posts, in what could have been the key moment of the match.Messi Defines the Match
At the moment of greatest Canadian dominance, Messi recovered a ball in a dangerous area and assisted Rodrigo de Paul, who finished with class to restore the lead for Inter Miami in the 71st minute. From that moment on, the team led by Javier Mascherano controlled the pace of the game, backed by the experience of Busquets and Alba, in their last professional match. In added time, Messi once again took center stage by assisting Tadeo Allende, who sealed the 3-1 victory, sparking celebrations in Fort Lauderdale.Golden Farewells
For Busquets and Alba, former teammates of Messi at Barcelona, the victory represented a perfect closure to their brilliant careers. Both players were cheered by the fans, who welcomed them with affection since their arrival at the club.Inter Miami Reaches the Top
The conquest of the title crowns the ambitious project that sought to replicate Guardiola’s Barça style in the MLS, and which, after struggles and disappointments, finally found its reward.Technical Sheet
- Inter Miami: Rocco Ríos; Fray (Weigandt 90+1), Falcón, Allen, Alba; De Paul, Busquets, B. Rodríguez (Segovia 56′); Silvetti (Bright 78′), Allende, Messi.
- DT: Javier Mascherano
- Vancouver: Takaoka; Laborda, Priso (Pupe 68′), Blackmon, Ocampo; Cubas (Cabrera 82′), Berhalter, Ahmed (Gauld 68′); Müller, Sabbi (Nelson 90+1), White.
- Coach: Jesper Sørensen
- Goals: 1-0 Ocampo (og, 8′); 1-1 Ahmed (60′); 2-1 De Paul (71′); 3-1 Allende (90+6′).
- Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada).
- Booked: Rodríguez, Falcón, De Paul, White, Ocampo, Blackmon, Cubas and Laborda.
- Incidents: MLS Cup final played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with 21,500 spectators.
