Inter Miami 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps summary: goals, stats and highlights | MLS Cup

Inter Miami get the star.

This is what it's all about. Ever since Inter Miami announced the signing of Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023, this has been the target. 

It took three attempts but Inter Miami have finally won MLS Cup. What next for this ambitious young club?

MLS

How many trophies has Lionel Messi won in his career?

Today's Inter Miami victory is historic for a number of reasons. For Lionel Messi, it's another trophy in his historic collection...

Another trophy for Lionel Messi

Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba triumph in final game.

Two of the finest players of their generation, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba announced their intentions to retire at the end of the 2025 season. Both former Barcelona stars have had illustrious, trophy-laden careers and they finish it off with one more piece of silverware to add to their collections. 

One final piece of Messi magic for 2025.

He didn't score but Lionel Messi's fingerprints were all over this game-winning goal from Tadeo Allende. The touch, the vision, the execution: it's classic Messi. 

"All the emotions just came out, in the last few minutes of the game you're just hoping that we can get through it."

Those are the words of David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami. The Englishman is clearly visible as he speaks to Apple TV on the field. 

Inter Miami clinch first-ever championship!

It wasn't easy but Inter Miami have reached the promised land. A hard-fought victory against a brilliant, resourceful Vancouver Whitecaps team. 

Inter Miami players, fans and officials rejoice, toasting a historic win!

INTER MIAMI ARE MLS CUP CHAMPIONS!

Inter Miami 3-1 Vancouver Whitecaps. 

Final seconds now, Inter Miami are so close...

Messi and Allende combine again!

Sensational play from Messi, who plucked a long ball out of the sky and nudged the ball into the path of Tadeo Allende. He coolly slotted the ball home and Miami have a two-goal cushion!

Incredible scenes around Chase Stadium as the Miami players and fans celebrate on the brink of an MLS Cup triumph. 

David Beckham is jubilant. Javier Mascherano is on the field. Jordi Alba appears to be in tears!

Inter Miami have the ball and they are just trying to keep it now, killing time against a tiring Vancouver. Is there one last chance?

Brilliant play from Weigandt on the right, beating Berhalter and drawing a free kick from the Whitecaps midfielder. 

That'll eat up a few more precious seconds. 

Inter Miami win a goal kick and the noise inside Chase Stadium is cranked up another level.

The home fans are in jubilant mood now, but is there time for one last Vancouver chance?

Jinking run from Lionel Messi down the right wing, trying to wriggle free of defenders. He tries a one-two with Busquets on the edge of the box but Vancouver win the ball back. 

We're going to have seven minutes of added time at the end of a pulsating MLS Cup!

It looks like Ian Fray is unable to continue. 

Fray comes off, Marcelo Weigandt comes on to replace him. 

Ian Fray finds himself under pressure from Vancouver forward and he's forced to clip the ball aimlessly down the line, gifting possession back to the visitors. 

He looks like he might be injured, he's struggled to hobble around now. 

Now it's Mathias Laborda who goes into the book for a cynical challenge on Telasco Segovia.

The game is getting frayed now, very stop-start. 

Heavy challenge from Rodrigo de Paul on Berhalter, rightly booked by the referee. 

Goal kick to Inter Miami and it's played long by Rios Novo, who eats up as much time as he possibly can. We're into the final five minutes of normal time now. 

Vancouver win a corner kick on the right, another chance for Berhalter to deliver. 

Rios Novo punches the ball away and Miami try to break with numbers. Messi gets on the ball but it bounces up and clips his hand. Free kick Whitecaps. 

Attacking change for Vancouver as Adrian Cubas is replaced by Kenji Cabrera. 

Cabrera hands a piece of paper to Ryan Gauld as he enters the field. 

With ten minutes remaining, the Whitecaps will be wondering how they are behind. 

Vancouver have generated openings and have had the lion's share of possession but didn't manage to find that crucial second goal while they were in the ascendancy. 

Watch: Messi and De Paul combine for go-ahead goal.

Is this going to be the goal that crowns the 2025 MLS Cup champions?

We're approaching the final ten minutes of normal time at Chase Stadium and Inter Miami have a 2-1 lead, thanks to this goal from Rodrigo de Paul. 

Another Miami change as Mateo Silvetti is replaced by Yannick Bright. 

A sensible, defense-minded change from Mascherano. 

Inter Miami nearly have an opening as a Takaoka clearance lands right at the feet of De Paul. He can't quite make space for a shot but Vancouver are looking a bit unsettled now. 

Lionel Messi will delver that resultant free kick from the right. It's cleared out for a corner kick. 

Messi nicks the ball past Ryan Gauld and wins a free kick for his team. 

The home crowd breaks out into a loud chorus of 'Messi, Messi, Messi' as the No. 10 gingerly returns to his feet. 

The momentum have shifted back in Miami's favor. 

De Paul puts Miami back in front!

Lionel Messi turned provider for his international teammate. Rodrigo de Paul raced in behind to latch onto a Messi through ball and found the bottom corner. 

Slick Miami goal, created by the two Argentines. 

Double change for Vancouver now, with Ryan Gauld and Joedrick Pupe coming on. 

It looked like Thomas Muller might be coming off but he insisted that he's able to continue. 

Tristan Blackmon goes into the book for a cynical challenge on Allende on the halfway line. 

Inter Miami have a chance to pause now, to regain a bit of control in this game. 

The Whitecaps win another free kick, around 35 yards from goal in a good crossing position. 

Berhalter floats the ball in but it comes to nothing. 

What a turnaround, so nearly a 2-1 goal for the Whitecaps. 

Miami look a bit rattled here, the away supporters are jubilant behind the goal. Inter Miami will need their big players to stand up in the next 10/15 minutes. 

Nearly a second for Vancouver! Brilliant run form Sabbi, darting through the Miami defense and rattling the post with a left-footed effort. Ahmed sprints in to finish off the rebound but Miami manage to scramble the ball clear. 

Still 1-1, but only just!

Inter Miami 1-1 Vancouver Whitecaps (Ali Ahmed, 60)

Vancouver Whitecaps are deservedly level. Brilliant hold-up play from Brian White, who rolled the ball to Ahmed on the right. He whips the ball past Rios Novo and into the back of the net!

Strong defensive work from the Vancouver backline, twice halting Messi's progress as he charges up-field. 

The visitors have kept him remarkably quiet so far. Can they do it for the full 90?

First change of the game.

It's Baltasar Rodriguez who comes off, replaced by Telasco Segovia. A bit more industry in midfield for Miami. 

Miami win the ball back and Alba whips in a cross from the left. Takaoka punches clear and Messi heads the rebound back towards goal, but it bounces just wide of the target. 

So nearly a second for Miami.

Good pass from De Paul to sweep the ball out to Jordi Alba on the left flank. He finds Silvetti on the wing but the young Argentine loses the ball. 

Vancouver win it back and get back on the offensive. 

All to play for at Chase Stadium.

The Miami fans are loud at the start of the second half, looking to roar their team on. But it's Vancouver who are starting strongly again and Miami haven't managed to get Busquets and Messi on the ball. 

It's Berhalter who steps up to take for the Whitecaps...

His effort balloons over the crossbar and into the stands. Poor effort from the USMNT midfielder, a wasted opportunity. 

Miami defender Maxi Falcon is booked for that challenge. 

Vancouver tear through the Miami midfielder and draw a cynical foul from Falcon. 

The Miami defender goes into the book, the Whitecaps have a free kick from 25 yards out. Great shooting opportunity here. 

Good running from Brian White to chase down Noah Allen. He looked to have won his team a corner kick but the officials say no, Inter Miami goal kick. 

No substitutions for either team at half time. Everything still to play for in this finely-poised MLS Cup clash. 

Will someone stand up and make themselves a hero?

And we're back!

The Whitecaps get the second half underway...

Everything on the line for Vancouver.

The Western Conference champions have 45 minutes to turn this game around to win a first-ever MLS Cup. 

Jesper Sorenson's team have had chances in the first half. Is there a fairytale turnaround to come in the second half for the Whitecaps?

Inter Miami 45 minutes away from first MLS Cup triumph.

The Herons have the lead at the break but it could easily be the Whitecaps who are ahead. 

The first few minutes of the second half will be crucial in deciding the momentum of this game. A second goal for Miami would be a major blow for Vancouver. However a Whitecaps leveler would put them firmly in the ascendancy. 

Vancouver came close to leveler.

They may be behind but Vancouver have had chances. This one-on-one for Emmanuel Sabbi was the big chance for the Whitecaps, but Rios Novo stood up tall. 

Ocampo own goal gives Miami halftime lead.

Here's the only goal of the first half, the goal that put Inter Miami in the driving seat. 

Brilliant footwork from Messi on the halfway line, a clever pass from De Paul and a direct run from Allende. It was Eider Ocampo who delivered the crucial touch but it was a slick move from Miami. 

Halftime: Inter Miami 1-0 Vancouver Whitecaps

Miami go into the half with a narrow lead, but the Whitecaps have more than held their own in MLS Cup. 

Messi whips in a cross towards the front post, where Busquets flicks the ball on to the roof of the Whitecaps net. Goal kick Vancouver. 

Inter Miami win a free kick on right wing, a chance for Messi to deliver with quality...

We're going to have two minutes of added time at the end of the first half. 

Booking for Edier Ocampo, who catches Rodriguez with a shoulder/elbow to the face. 

That was a nasty one from Ocampo, and very unnecessary. 

Vancouver have dominated the last ten minutes of this game, restricting Miami in possession and fashioning their own chances. 

Clever ball from Cubas finds Berhalter running in behind the backline. He flashes a cross across the face of goal but neither Muller nor White can connect. 

Another ball into the box from the Whitecaps, this time finds the head of Muller in the middle. He gets a decent connection but it's comfortably saved by Rios Novo again. 

The visitors are growing into the game as halftime approaches. 

Mad scramble in the Miami box as Muller nods the ball back into the danger zone. Sabbi has a one-on-one with Rios Novo but the Miami keeper stands up tall and makes a big save. 

It's Berhalter who delivers from the left for Vancouver. He aims for the back post but Jordi Alba does well to head the ball away. 

The first free kick comes to nothing but Vancouver win another on the left flank just seconds later. Another big chance to deliver into the box. 

Baltasar Rodriguez is called for a soft foul on Edier Ocampo, giving Vancouver a golden chance to curl in a cross from the right flank. 

The Miami winger is frustrated by the decision and needs to be careful with his protestations, given that he's already been booked. 

Edier Ocampo fouls Silvetti on the left wing, stopping a potential Miami attack. Ocampo has looked a little unsettled since that own goal. 

Free kick form the left for Vancouver. Berhalter curls it in and finds the head of Brian White, who flicks an effort into the arms of Rios Novo. 

First good chance for Vancouver, and it comes from a set piece. That has been a weakness for Miami all year long. 

A barreling run from Falcon brings Miami up the field and a loose ball lands to Messi on the edge of the box. He tries to curl one from 20 yards but he's swamped by defenders who manage to block his effort. 

On second viewing, that Sabbi penalty shout for the Whitecaps looked very soft - barely any contact made by Rodriguez for Miami. 

No reason to overturn the referee's decision, but a sign of intent from Vancouver. 

Sabbi burst forward for Vancouver. He drives into the box and appears to be felled by a recovering defender, inside the penalty box. 

Referee says no penalty, but that will be checked by VAR...

Messi takes the free kick but it's a bit under-powered, comfortably collected by Takaoko in the Vancouver goal. 

Messi curls in the free kick from the left. Whitecaps clear but Sabbi is penalized for an accidental handball as he tries to drive up the field. 

Free kick to Miami, in a shooting position on the edge of the box. 

Lionel Messi picks up the ball on the halfway line and drives towards goal. He clips the ball out left to Jordi Alba, who wins a free kick for his team...

Rodrigo de Paul draws a foul from Ahmed, giving his team a breather. The World Cup winner using his experience, there. 

Miami aren't taking any chances playing out from the back, with Falcon playing long as soon as he is pressed. 

Messi plays in Allende with a through ball down the right but the winger can't find a teammate with his cross. 

Inter Miami have done a good job of building on that early goal, keeping hold of the ball and keeping Vancouver at an arm's length. 

Mascherano will be very happy with the first 18 minutes here. 

Ocampo has time and space to deliver a cross from the right for Vancouver, but he squanders the opening. Muller, who had been waiting in the box, waves his hands angrily. 

Inter Miami's Baltasar Rodriguez is the first player into the book. 

That goal - and the manner of that goal - will be a real sickener for the Whitecaps. 

It was an unfortunate moment for Ocampo but they had been undone by a swift Miami counter-attack. That does not bode well for the visitors. 

Inter Miami lead after early own goal.

The opening came from a slick Inter Miami move, with Silvetti and Allende racing in behind the Vancouver backline. Allende whipped a cross along the face of goal and Edier Ocampo turned the ball into his own net.

Nightmare start for the Whitecaps. 

Berhalter clips the ball to the back post but Rios Novo comes out well to claim. 

Tadeo Allende takes a poor touch in his own half and the ball bounces up to his hand. Referee calls for the handball and Vancouver now have a brilliant chance to deliver into the box from 35 yards out, left of center. 

A bizarre misplaced pass from Busquets, who thumps the ball out of play on the left. 

Strange one from the veteran midfielder, playing his final-ever professional game. Does that affect him mentally?

Mateo Silvetti does well, winning a free kick on the halfway line to get his team up-field. 

Good run from Rodriguez for Miami, bursting down the left flank. 

The ball is worked across to Allende, who makes space for a shot but skies over the bar from a tight angle. First sight of goal for either team. 

Tense start at Chase Stadium as both teams look to figure each other out for the start. 

It's a tough, front-foot start from Miami, who are pressing from the front. 

Huge roar as Inter Miami get things underway in South Florida. 

Miami in their pink jerseys, Whitecaps in the usual white. 

And we're off!

Inter Miami get things underway at Chase Stadium. 

Away we go...

We're nearly ready for the off!

The players are out. The stands are packed. The sun is shining. 

We're ready for MLS Cup 2025, perhaps the most hotly-anticipated game in MLS history!

And here's the Whitecaps XI...

No major changes for Vancouver, who will look to crown a historic season with a first-ever MLS Cup win. 

Another look at the Inter Miami lineup...

Here's the team that Javier Mascherano starts with for MLS Cup. 

Vancouver Whitecaps fans make themselves heard.

A few thousand Vancouver fans have made the journey to Miami - the longest trip in MLS - for today's game. They will be outnumbered by the home support but are in good voice ahead of kick-off. 

The players are out at Chase Stadium.

Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller lead their teams out for today's MLS Cup final. The conditions are perfect for soccer, and those in attendance are looking forward to a historic MLS Cup meeting. 

Jordi Alba prepares for final professional game.

Inter Miami's Jordi Alba has probably lost count of the number of finals he has played in his illustrious career. But he won't forget today's, his final game as a professional. Speaking ahead of the game, Alba explained his emotions as he approaches retirement. 

“It was a different but nice experience. I linked up with old teammates again. The club has experienced important growth, that’s thanks to all the workers, the owners, the teammates we had before now,” Alba explained ahead of the game. “It took a lot for us to get here to a final, which is historic for the club.

“Personally, I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of finals, but this one is special for everything it means. It’s going to be my last game, very emotional, and we’re going to face a very tough opponent.”

Excitement builds in Miami.

We're closing in on kick-off now. Before the national anthem, here's a look at what Whitecaps fan-turned-part-owner Steve Nash had to say about today's match-up. 

Soccer

How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami?

As much of Inter Miami have developed as a team this year, the performances of Lionel Messi remain the defining factor for the Herons. With 61 goal involvements this year, Messi's quality can take the game away from the Whitecaps today. 

Messi's Miami record

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sends wishes to Whitecaps.

Throughout their time in MLS, the Vancouver Whitecaps have rarely challenged for major honors. But this year has been historic, with Concacaf Champions Cup final and MLS Cup appearances. Canadian PM Mark Carney is pulling for the Canadian champions. 

The players are out at Chase Stadium.

Both Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps are now out on the turf, going through their paces ahead of today's MLS Cup. The stands are filling up and it looks like the atmosphere is going to be electric. 

MLS

Another ex-Barça star announces retirement from Inter Miami at the end of this season

There are so many storylines bubbling away for this one, but the impending retirement of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba is worth at least a moment of your time. 

Two of the most decorated players of their generation, two players who transformed their respective positions, Busquets and Alba have been a part of some of the greatest teams ever assembled. Now, they prepare to say goodbye. 

Goodbye to Inter Miami legends

The scene is set in South Florida.

Today's the day, after a long, long wait for Inter Miami. 

This was the end goal ever since Lionel Messi touched down in MLS. It's taken a little longer than expected, but Miami are now within touching distance of a first-ever championship. 

Vancouver Whitecaps team news for MLS Cup.

Finally, here's the confirmed team news for Vancouver. No major surprises here, either. 

Tristan Blackmon returns from suspension, slotting in at the heart of the defense. The Whitecaps start with the multifaceted front four of White-Muller-Ahmed-Sabbi. 

Thomas Muller looking to fire Vancouver to first championship.

With Thomas Muller in the team, Vancouver may have a secret weapon against Inter Miami. Muller boasts an impressive record against teams containing Messi, with a 7-3 advantage in previous meetings. But speaking ahead of the game, Muller insisted that he wasn't thinking about the past.

“I always have my confidence to beat someone, or to compete with someone as a team and as an individual. So I don’t need my history that much to be confident," Muller said. "It gives you a little bit of a good feeling but the game is decided on the pitch on Saturday.”

Whitecaps arrive at Chase Stadium for MLS Cup.

Thomas Muller is no stranger to cup finals but today's MLS Cup final will be a different proposition for him. The Vancouver Whitecaps take on Inter Miami on their home field, but will be confident of causing an upset. 

How do you stop Lionel Messi?

We have seen impressive performances from Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti through the postseason but this Inter Miami team revolves around Lionel Messi. Ahead of the game, Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorenson spoke about the challenge at hand. 

“We know that we’re up against a player who is considered by many — and rightfully so — the best to ever play this game," he said. "And we know that you always have to expect the unexpected when you go up against a player like Lionel Messi because what he can do is … nothing you can prepare for."

MLS Cup 2025

Messi and Miami poised to break yet another record

This Inter Miami team have not always convinced in 2025. But they have made it all the way to MLS Cup and stand on the brink of a historic record...

Inter Miami, record breakers?

Recap: Brian White brace wins it for the Whitecaps.

In the Western Conference final, Vancouver Whitecaps put in an assured performance against San Diego. Striker Brian White has suffered with fitness issues at points this year but he showed his quality with a crucial brace in San Diego. 

Recap: Inter Miami blow past NYCFC.

In case you missed it, Miami booked their place in MLS Cup with a resounding 5-1 win over New York City FC last weekend. The star of the show was winger Tadeo Allende, who scored a clinical hat-trick, including this pin-point header. 

Soccer

MLS Cup 2025: How much are tickets for Inter Miami - Vancouver Whitecaps?

Will today be a first MLS Cup for Inter Miami? Will be be a shock victory for the Vancouver Whitecaps? Lionel Messi or Thomas Muller?

All of these questions have made it one of the most engaging MLS Cup games in years, and the prices are accordingly high...

How much are MLS Cup tickets?

What time is MLS Cup?

We're still waiting for team news for the Whitecaps but we do at least know the schedule kickoff time. For fans around the world, here's what time MLS Cup start where you are...

Luis Suarez starts on the bench for Inter Miami.

No major surprises in the Inter Miami lineup, with the veteran Uruguayan starting on the bench for a fourth consecutive game. Mascherano has favored the 19-year-old livewire Mateo Silvetti up front, providing more energy to create space for Messi to operate. 

Inter Miami team news for MLS Cup.

Here's the XI selected by Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. 

MLS Cup

Why Messi has revenge on his mind

Not many players can say that they have got the better of Lionel Messi over the course of their career. But Thomas Muller is one of few with a positive record. 

Muller's Messi record

Vancouver getting used to the Florida heat.

It may be December but the sun is still shining in South Florida. The Whitecaps have been in Miami this week, preparing for conditions in today's MLS Cup. 

Season of over-achievement for Vancouver.

"And I didn’t have any expectation that I would end up in the final, having Thomas (Muller) on our team, against Lionel Messi."

“I think it’s great being here. I didn’t expect it at all... But as the season went by, you start seeing that you have the quality to maybe take it far. And now here we are.”

'All of nothing,' for Inter Miami.

“We reach Saturday’s match with everything on the line, all or nothing."

“It’s a huge reward for the work the players have put in all season, for everything they’ve done as a group. It’s the big prize, and it’s right there for us.”

Inter Miami to host MLS Cup 2025.

So, why is today's game at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale?

Keen MLS fans will recall that Inter Miami finished third in the Eastern Conference, while Vacouver were second the East. Well, the postseason seeding is based on regular season points, and Miami picked up two more points in the highly competitive East than the Whitecaps managed in the West. 

Therefore, Miami have home advantage today. 

After nine long months, the 2025 MLS season reaches a thrilling finale with MLS Cup. 

Every year, the showpiece final is a big event, but this Inter Miami - Vancouver Whitecaps clash has been one of the most hotly-anticipated of all time. 

For the victor, a place in MLS history awaits. For the loser, the long wait for a first championship continues. 

I'm Will Gittins, I'll be bringing you full live coverage of today's MLS Cup. Away we go...