The era of Leo Messi and David Beckham at Inter Miami has reached its pinnacle. Two and a half years after arriving in MLS, the Argentine star finally achieved his ultimate goal: to be crowned champion. The long-awaited moment came with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, in front of their home crowd at Chase Stadium.
For Messi, the 2025 title was the culmination of an adventure that began in the 2023 season. For Beckham, it is the fruit of nearly 11 years of effort, since he joined the MLS expansion team’s project.
In its five-year history, Inter Miami CF has reached the playoffs three times, being eliminated in the first round in 2022 and 2024. This year, they reached the final, defeating Cincinnati and New York in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
This afternoon, Inter dominated Vancouver in every area of the field, with Messi demonstrating why he is considered one of the best players in the world and possibly one of the greatest of all time, providing two assists.
Vancouver put up a fight, but it wasn’t enough
The match at Chase Stadium pitted the best offense of the regular season, Inter’s with 81 goals, against the Whitecaps’ defense, which only allowed 38 goals in 34 matches.
Even so, Messi paved the way for the first goal with a pass to Rodrigo De Paul, who then passed to Diego Allende. As Allende passed to Mateo Silveti, defender Edier Ocampo deflected the ball, sending it past goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka for the first own goal in MLS in 15 years, in the 8th minute.
Vancouver’s defense tightened up after the own goal, and their forwards equalized in the 60th minute through Ali Ahmed. However, in the 71st minute, a moment of brilliance from Messi gave Inter the lead, with a masterful pass that De Paul converted to make it 2-1.
The Whitecaps were the better side in the final 20 minutes of the match, but they failed to capitalize on their advantage. Instead, in the 90+6 minute, Messi’s second assist, this time to Allende, made it 3-1 and sealed the victory for the home team.
Messi and Inter’s celebration ignited Miami
In the stands, the Beckham family-David, Victoria, Romeo, and Cruz-erupted with jubilation. In the stands, fans chanted “Messi! Messi! Messi!” On the field, Messi & Co. celebrated the team’s first title by taking a lap of honor around the pitch.
What better way for Messi to approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, than with a trophy in hand?
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