Inter Miami CF wins the 2025 MLS Cup

     2025 MLS Cup 
   photo courtesy of The MLS  

Inter Miami CF, captained by Lionel Messi, captured the club’s first ever MLS Cup presented by Audi, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi was announced as the MLS Cup MVP presented by Audi for his standout performance, which included two assists and the game-winning assist on Rodrigo De Paul’s second-half goal.

Miami opened the scoring in the eighth minute, after a Tadeo Allende cross deflected off Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo and into the back of the net for an own goal Vancouver leveled the score 1-1 in the 60th minute, as winger Ali Ahmed’s near-post shot squeezed past Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. The game-winning goal for Inter Miami CF came in the 71st minute as Miami captain Lionel Messi sent an inch-perfect through ball to Rodrigo De Paul who slotted home his finish.

Lionel Messi post match
 photo courtesy of The MLS 

Inter Miami CF sealed the win in the 90+6’ minute, during stoppage time, when Tadeo Allend received a pass from Messi to put away the game. Allende’s goal was his ninth in the playoffs, setting a record for the most goals scored by a player during a single postseason.

Inter Miami Cf co owner Jorge mas and Singer Marc Anthony hold the 2025 MLS Cup
 photo courtesy of The MLS 
 

 Inter Miami CF is the eighth different team in the past 10 seasons to win MLS Cup and hoist the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy. With their MLS Cup win, The club is now the fifth Miami-based team to win a major North American championship, joining the Miami Heat (2005-06, 2011-12, 2012-13), Florida Panthers (2023-24, 2024-25), Miami Marlins (1997, 2003), and the Miami Dolphins (1972, 1973).