MIAMI, FL. – When Lionel Messi arrived in Miami, it was only a matter of time.
The appropriate moment has arrived.
Inter Miami CF achieved a significant 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC, securing the club’s fourth trophy and their first MLS Cup title. Goals were scored by midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and forward Tadeo Allende, along with an own goal by Vancouver. The match took place at Chase Stadium. Additionally, captain Leo Messi was named MLS Cup MVP after recording two assists.
Additionally, Spanish legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets were recognized as Icons of the Match, celebrating the conclusion of their distinguished careers with one final title victory.
Inter Miami coordinated their lineup for the historic MLS Cup with Rocco Ríos Novo in goal. The defensive line consisted of Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcón, Sergio Busquets, Noah Allen, and Jordi Alba. The midfield featured Mateo Silvetti, De Paul, and Baltasar Rodríguez. Up front, Allende and Messi served as the primary attacking options.
Inter Miami scored the opening goal early in the 8th minute when De Paul delivered a pass into space for Allende along the right flank. Allende then played a grounded cross into the box, which was deflected into the net by a Vancouver Whitecaps defender.
Haiti has qualified for the FIFA World Cup on a historic date.
Goalkeeper Ríos Novo then had several crucial interventions to preserve the team’s lead throughout the first half, including denying an attempt from Vancouver’s Emmanuel Sabbi from close range in the 38’.
Vancouver levelled the scoring in the second half, with Ali Ahmed scoring for the visiting side in the 60th minute.
Inter Miami reclaimed its lead 11 minutes later in the 71st minute through De Paul. Messi applied pressure in the opponent’s third before recovering possession and feeding a precise threaded pass into space for De Paul, who then slotted the ball at the bottom-left corner from the right end of the box. The goal was the first for De Paul in MLS action, while the assist was Messi’s eighth this postseason.
Inter Miami rounded out the result with a spectacular strike in the sixth minute of added time. Alba fed a pass for Messi down the center of the pitch, who chested the ball down and found Allende in space with a pass over the opposition’s backline. Allende then made his way into the box before scoring with a grounded finish to the left post. The goal established a new record in MLS, as Allende reached nine goals for the most goals scored by a player in a single postseason. The assist, meanwhile, increased Messi’s tally to nine in the postseason and to a total 28 assists this MLS campaign.
The 3-1 scoreline would remain unchanged through the final whistle for Inter Miami to lift its first-ever MLS Cup title. Additionally, Inter Miami closed out its chapter at Chase Stadium in historic fashion.
Scoring Summary:
MIA – Édier Ocampo (OG) 8’, Rodrigo De Paul (Leo Messi) 71’, Tadeo Allende (Leo Messi, Jordi Alba) 90’+6’
VAN – Ali Ahmed (Brian White, Emmanuel Sabbi) 60’
Misconduct:
MIA – Brian Rodríguez (Yellow Card 13’), Maximiliano Falcón (Yellow Card 48’), Rodrigo De Paul (Yellow Card 86’), Rocco Ríos Novo (Yellow Card 90’+8’)
VAN – Brian White (Yellow Card 17’), Édier Ocampo (Yellow Card 45’), Tristan Blackmon (Yellow Card 66’), Andrés Cubas (Yellow Card 74’), Mathías Laborda (Yellow Card 86’), Sebastian Berhalter (Yellow Card 90’+4’)
Lineups / Substitutions:
Inter Miami CF – GK Rocco Ríos Novo; D Ian Fray (Marcelo Weigandt 90’+1’), Maximiliano Falcón, Sergio Busquets, Noah Allen,, Jordi Alba; M Mateo Silvetti (Yannick Bright 78’), Rodrigo De Paul, Baltasar Rodríguez (Telasco Segovia 56’); F Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi ©
Unused Substitutes – GK Óscar Ustari; D Tomás Avilés, Gonzalo Luján; F Allen Obando, Fafa Picault, Luis Suárez
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – GK Yohei Takaoka; D Édier Ocampo, Tristan Blackmon, Ralph Priso (Joedrick Pupe 68’), Mathías Laborda; M Sebastian Berhalter, Andrés Cubas (Kenji Cabrera 82’); Emmanuel Sabbi (Jayden Nelson 90’+1’), Thomas Müller, Ali Ahmed (Ryan Gauld 68’); F Brian White
Unused Substitutes – GK Isaac Boehmer; D Tate Johnson; M Jeevan Badwal, Damir Kreilach; F Rayan Elloumi, Daniel Rios
Stats:
Possession:
MIA – 35%
VAN – 65%
Shots:
MIA – 8
VAN – 11
Saves:
MIA – 3
VAN – 2
Corners:
MIA – 1
VAN – 1
Fouls:
MIA – 22
VAN – 23
Photos/InterMiamiCF
