FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Since his grand entrance into South Florida two and a half years ago, Lionel Messi has emerged as the figurehead for both Inter Miami and Major League Soccer, significantly impacting the U.S. soccer landscape. At 38, this Argentine legend continues to be a pivotal influence in advancing the league’s goals.
Finally, Messi achieved what was missing from his illustrious career: an MLS Cup trophy, clinched on a blazing day at the vibrant Chase Stadium.
In a match that could have easily slipped away from his team, Messi assisted Rodrigo de Paul’s opening goal in the 71st minute and set up another goal in the dying moments, as Miami rallied to defeat the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1.
“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for and the moment we as a team have been waiting for,” Messi, crowned MVP of the match, stated through an interpreter. “It’s such a beautiful thing for all of us. They deserve it.”
This victory highlighted a season in which Messi tied for the league’s top spot in goals (29) and assists (19), securing his second consecutive MVP award. In the playoffs, he participated in six matches, scoring six goals and assisting nine times.
“I’m very happy for the season he had,” remarked Miami coach Javier Mascherano, Messi’s former teammate at FC Barcelona. “His numbers were impressive, but his commitment to the team was equally remarkable. In the final games, his effort was immense, showcasing how much winning means to him. Winning this trophy was very important to him; he came here to achieve this.”
Messi retains his status as a global icon while transitioning from the elite European leagues to MLS, which has been enjoying a surge of interest since his arrival. His presence has revitalized the league, especially after a disappointing playoff run last year. However, his ability to lead Miami to their first MLS Cup had remained uncertain until recently.
On Saturday, Messi made significant contributions during the match. He alleviated pressure on Vancouver’s defense by scoring an own-goal and providing an assist that sealed Miami’s victory, finishing their home season with a 22-4-4 record.
“The team put in a lot of effort. It’s been a long year with numerous games, and we managed to fulfill our objectives throughout the season,” he noted.
Messi’s teammates, including fellow Argentinians De Paul and Tadeo Allende, along with Spaniards Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, stepped up to the occasion. This match also marked the conclusion of illustrious careers for Busquets and Alba, former World Cup champions who came to South Florida from FC Barcelona to collaborate with Messi.
“We competed very well all year,” said Mascherano. “That’s why we deserved this victory.”
Despite Messi’s star power and Miami capturing their first MLS Cup, the atmosphere before the game lacked the usual championship exuberance. Supporters clad in vibrant pink and visitors dressed in white and blue filtered into the stadium from Commercial Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.
The temporary stadium, located about 55 miles from Miami, has maintained a rustic charm over the last six seasons. It will soon be replaced by the $350 million, 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park, part of a larger $1 billion mixed-use development near Miami International Airport.
As kickoff approached, the ambiance changed, filled with the excitement of a championship match between two of the top scoring teams in the league, with Miami boasting 81 goals over 34 games and Vancouver’s formidable defense conceding just 38.
The two teams hadn’t matched up during the regular season, as each MLS team plays only a limited number of interconference games. However, they faced each other in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup in April, where the Whitecaps emerged with a convincing aggregate score of 5-1.
Miami successfully navigated the playoffs, facing challenges mainly in the second round against Nashville. They’ve scored an impressive 16 goals in their last four matches, including 12 in three home games.
The match kicked off with an early advantage as four Argentine players collaborated for a goal in the 8th minute. Messi maneuvered through defenders, passing to De Paul, who assisted Allende for an open shot.
As Allende entered the penalty area, Matteo Silvetti should have tapped in a cross, but an own goal by a Vancouver defender resulted in the game’s first strike. However, the Whitecaps improved significantly, creating several opportunities in the latter minutes of the first half, including a close-range header from Brian White that was saved.
Despite the setback, the Whitecaps maintained optimism early in the second half, putting pressure on Miami’s shaky defense. With prominent U.S. national team coaches present, Berhalter fired a promising free kick into the stands.
Miami temporarily eased their struggles, but Vancouver’s persistence paid off when they equalized in the 60th minute. White smartly played a pass leading to a powerful shot from Ali Ahmed, which managed to find the back of the net.
The Whitecaps nearly took the lead shortly after, striking the post twice in quick succession. “We were fortunate that the ball hit two posts,” Mascherano said. “Luck is part of championship victories.”
Whitecaps manager Jesper Sorensen regretted the lost chances. “We had the game at 1-1, but expected a 2-1 lead. Then we made a mistake, and the ball fell to Messi,” he said.
As the game unfolded, Messi demonstrated his brilliance. After receiving a pass, he delivered a perfectly executed ball to De Paul, who scored effortlessly, igniting chants of “Messi! Messi!” from jubilant fans.
With Vancouver’s late attempts to equalize falling short, Messi assisted Allende again, sealing their victory. This win marked Messi’s first MLS Cup and the 46th title of his glittering career, proving that his extraordinary journey in soccer is far from over, even as he nears 40.
Fan Take: This victory is monumental for soccer fans, as it not only celebrates Messi’s incredible legacy but also highlights the growing prominence of MLS. His success may inspire future stars in American soccer, signaling a new era of competitiveness and excitement within the league.
