TLeo Messi and David Beckham’s era at Inter Miami has reached its peak. Two and a half years after arriving in MLS, the Argentine star has finally achieved his ultimate goal of being crowned champion. The long-awaited moment came in a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in front of the home crowd at Chase Stadium.
For Messi, the 2025 title was the culmination of an adventure that began in the 2023 season. For Beckham, this is the culmination of nearly 11 years of hard work since joining the MLS expansion team project.
Inter Miami CF has reached the playoffs three times in its five-year history, losing in the first round in 2022 and 2024. This year, they defeated Cincinnati and New York in the Eastern Conference playoffs to reach the finals.
This afternoon, Inter dominated Vancouver in every area of the field, with Messi recording two assists and proving why he is considered one of the best players in the world, and perhaps one of the best of all time.
Vancouver struggled but it wasn’t enough.
The game at Chase Stadium pitted Inter’s best offense of the regular season, scoring 81 goals, against a Whitecaps defense that allowed only 38 goals in 34 games.
However, Messi paved the way for the opening goal with a pass to Rodrigo De Paul, who then passed to Diego Allende. Allende passed to Matteo Silveti, and defender Edier Ocampo deflected the ball past goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka in the eighth minute, scoring his first own goal in MLS in 15 years.
After the own goal, Vancouver’s defense tightened, and the forwards tied the score with Ali Ahmed’s goal in the 60th minute. However, in the 71st minute, a moment of brilliance from Messi put Inter ahead, with a superb pass that found De Paul to make it 2-1.
The Whitecaps had the upper hand in the final 20 minutes of the game, but were unable to capitalize on their advantage. Instead, in the 90+6 minute Messi’s second assist, this time from Allende, made it 3-1 and sealed victory for the home side.
Messi and Inter’s celebrations set Miami on fire
In the stands, the Beckham family – David, Victoria, Romeo and Cruise – erupted in joy. In the stands, fans shouted “Messi! Messi! Messi!” On the field, Messi & Co. celebrated the team’s first title by taking an honorary lap around the pitch.
What better way for Messi to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, than with a trophy in his hands?
