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

Key Match Statistics