FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A brace of assists from Lionel Messi secured a first-ever MLS Cup title for Inter Miami CF after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on Saturday.
The victory completes a dramatic turnaround for a club that was languishing in the MLS basement when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner arrived in Miami as the biggest signing in MLS history in July 2023.
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It was the 44th title of Messi's career and third with Miami, having helped the team to the Leagues Cup in 2023 and Supporters' Shield in 2024.