Lionel Messi added another accolade to his impressive career on Saturday, leading Inter Miami CF to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final. With this win, Messi has become one of the rare players to have achieved both the FIFA World Cup and the MLS Cup titles.
Among those who have accomplished this feat are Messi’s teammates, Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo de Paul.
Sergio Busquets, Midfielder
Sergio Busquets celebrated a World Cup victory with Spain in 2010 during the tournament in South Africa, and later lifted the MLS Cup with Inter Miami in 2025. At just 21, he was pivotal in Spain’s midfield alongside Xabi Alonso and Xavi. Following the celebrations of Inter Miami’s triumph, the 37-year-old announced his retirement from professional football.
Rodrigo de Paul, Midfielder
Rodrigo de Paul added his name to this exclusive list after his surprising transfer to Inter Miami this summer, reuniting him with Lionel Messi. The 31-year-old was crucial in Argentina’s midfield during the 2022 Qatar World Cup and scored the decisive goal in the 2025 MLS Cup Final, helping his team avoid extra time.
Lionel Messi
After three seasons in Major League Soccer, Messi finally captured a title for Miami in 2025. His quest for a World Cup title was similarly drawn out, debuting in 2006 at age 18 and facing heartbreak in 2014 when Argentina lost to Germany. Ultimately, Messi achieved his dream at the 2022 World Cup, scoring twice in the final.
This news matters to soccer fans because it highlights Messi’s continued impact on the sport, especially in Major League Soccer, which is experiencing a surge in popularity thanks to marquee players like him. His success not only elevates the profile of the league but also inspires younger players, solidifying soccer’s growth in the U.S. market.
