Inter Miami secured their​ first Major League Soccer (MLS) ⁤Cup crown on Saturday,​ beating the Vancouver ​Whitecaps 3-1 at Chase Stadium as Rodrigo ⁤De ⁣Paul and Tadeo Allende struck late ⁣from a pair of Lionel Messi​ assists.

Despite Thomas Mueller driving a⁣ Vancouver⁤ side‍ that controlled long stretches and created the better chances, the final ‌ultimately ‌swung on the Argentinian’s influence, as ‌he secured‌ his ‌first MLS league title and​ capped his finest season on ‍United States soil.

“This was​ one of our main goals,” messi, who was named MVP, said.

“Last ‍year we finished first​ in⁣ the ‌league and unluckily ⁤we were knocked out in the⁣ first round. The MLS was the ultimate prize. The team put in a tremendous effort and rose ⁣too the‍ occasion,” the 38-year-old added.

Miami opened ⁤the ​scoring in ⁢the eighth minute when Messi slipped Allende into space and ⁤the winger’s low cross deflected off Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo and into his ‍own net.

Vancouver kept control of the ⁣ball after the break ⁢and finally made ⁤it count on the hour mark when Ali Ahmed drove into the ⁢box⁣ and fired ⁣a ‍low shot that Rios Novo reached but could not ⁣keep​ out, the ⁤ball rolling over the‍ line to bring the visitors level.

Miami restored their lead⁤ in the 71st minute when Messi pounced​ on a ‍lose Vancouver⁢ touch and slid the ball across the box for ⁤Rodrigo De Paul, ⁤who swept his ⁣finish past⁢ Yohei Takaoka to cap the move with trademark composure.

the⁣ hosts⁢ sealed the title

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