Lionel Messi says: ‘This is the moment I’ve been waiting for’ after Inter Miami’s win in the MLS Cup

Lionel Messi checked a few more boxes on his already impressive resume on Saturday.

Messi provided a pair of assists as Inter Miami captured its first MLS Cup title with a 3-1 victory over the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps. Messi, who was also named MLS Cup MVP, set up Rodrigo de Paul in the 71st minute and Tadeo Allende in second-half stoppage time.

The 38-year-old Ballon d’Or winner finished the playoffs with a single postseason record of 15 goal contributions (six goals, nine assists), registering at least one goal or assist in all six of Miami’s playoff matches while easily setting an MLS record for goals contributions in a single season.

«Three years ago I decided to come to MLS, and today we are MLS champions,» Messi told reporters after the match.

«We reached the semi-finals of the (Concacaf) Champions Cup. Last year we went out of the competition early and were eliminated in the first round. This year, winning the MLS was one of our main objectives. The team put in a huge effort – it was a very long year, with a lot of matches, and we were up to the task all season. This is the moment I had been waiting for and what we as a team had been waiting for. It is very nice for all of us. They have earned it,» he said. added.

LOOK | Lionel Messi lifts the trophy as Inter Miami wins its first MLS Cup title

Messi deserved it too, and there’s probably more in store.

With 29 goals and 19 assists, Messi was one goal shy of the league record of 49 set by Los Angeles FC legend Carlos Vela in 2019 and could be the first back-to-back MVP in league history.

“I’m very happy for him,” first-year Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said.

«I’m very happy because of the season he played. … For him it was very, very special and very important to win this trophy. He came here to win this trophy,» he added.

Published on December 7, 2025