Lionel Messi takes the MVP of the MLS Cup 2025
Messi, a historic title for Inter Miami and a decisive performance from the Argentine star
Lionel Messi once again made the difference in a final, and he did it in a big way. The Argentine was chosen as the MVP of the MLS Cup 2025, an award presented by Audi, after leading Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium. His performance, with two assists in the second half, sealed a perfect end to a postseason where he broke a record with 15 goal contributions (6 goals and 9 assists).
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MLS highlighted that Messi, along with Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Busquets, became one of the first World Cup champions to lift an MLS Cup. He also surpassed German Thomas Muller, another World Cup-winning legend, who played for Vancouver. This trophy adds to the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield, solidifying the Argentine as the driving force behind a golden era in Miami.
The number 10, who recently extended his contract until 2028, also increased his all-time record to 47 official titles between clubs and national team.
And he did so on an emotional night, also marked by the farewell to professional football of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Vancouver strikes, Miami responds, and Messi decides
The final kicked off under a blazing sun in Fort Lauderdale, with a festive atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the tension on the pitch. Inter took an early lead in the 8th minute, thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Colombian Edier Ocampo. Messi initiated the play with a through ball to Rodrigo De Paul, who then set up Tadeo Allende for the cross that led to the error.
That right flank, with Messi actively involved, generated constant danger. Matteo Silvetti even came close to scoring a second, but the ball slipped through his hands at the crucial moment. Even so, Vancouver responded strongly and began to create clear scoring opportunities. Inter goalkeeper Rocco Rios made three crucial saves: first from a Brian White deflection, then from an Emmanuel Sabbi shot, and later from a Muller header. The visitors' efforts paid off in the second half. In the 60th minute,Ali Ahmed scored to make it 1-1 after a play started by Sabbi, although the shot ended up in the net due to a mistake by Rios. Vancouver almost completed the comeback a few minutes later with a shot from Sabbi that hit both posts.