Inter Miami won the championship with Messi’s two assists.

After winning the Conference Championship last week, the biggest trophy in Major League Soccer (MLS) now sits in Inter Miami’s cabinet. Although Lionel Messi’s team did not score a goal himself in the final, they defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 by setting up goals for his teammates.

Miami got a stroke of luck right at the start of the match at their home ground, Chase Stadium. Tata Martino’s disciples went up 1-0 in the 8th minute thanks to an own goal by opposing defender Ocampo. The hosts went into halftime with this lead.

Vancouver bounced back in the second half. They equalized in the 60th minute with a goal from Ali Ahmed. But the Miami magician still had the real surprise left! In the 71st minute, Rodrigo De Paul found the net following a brilliant pass from Messi, giving Miami back the lead. In the very last moment of the match (96th minute), Tadeo Allende secured the team’s victory and the title with another perfect assist from the Argentine captain.

With this victory, Inter Miami achieved the glory of becoming the MLS Champions for the first time in their history. And in terms of personal achievements, Messi took himself beyond reach. This is a record 48th title of his professional career.

This MLS Cup-winning match was special for another reason, as it was the final career match for two Barcelona legends, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Busquets played 722 matches for Barcelona and won 32 trophies. He also lifted the World Cup and Euro titles for Spain. Alba also retired as one of the best left-backs in football history. Both of them had a beautiful end to their careers by winning the MLS title.

Maruf/Sokalbela