Lionel Messi pays tribute to 2 Inter Miami teammates as he celebrates maiden MLS Cup title

Lionel Messi paid tribute to Inter Miami teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets after the MLS Cup win over Vancouver Whitecaps. The two Spaniards were playing their final game in their career and the Argentine said he was delighted to help them end their careers with a trophy.

Celebrating the MLS Cup final on Instagram, Messi posted several photos and included a message for Alba and Busquets in the caption. The Inter Miami captain thanked them for joining the MLS side after their stint together at Barcelona and posted:

"WE ARE MLS CHAMPIONS!!! 🏆🙌😃 Ever since I arrived in Miami I dreamed about this day. Gradually we were growing, improving and building something special until we reached this championship. Thanks to my family and all the fans for the support, to the whole team, the staff and the management of Inter Miami CF for the ambition and the work they put in. And thank you Busi and Jordi for joining me on this adventure and closing it in the best way possible. It also makes me very happy to share this with you."

Lionel Messi got two assists in the final as Inter Miami ran 3-1 winners over Vancouver Whitecaps. The win made it three trophies in as many seasons for the Argentine at the club.

Lionel Messi thanks Inter Miami squad after MLS Cup win

Lionel Messi spoke to the media after the MLS Cup win, saying that the squad were focused on winning the trophy and are delighted to have achieved it. He added that it was a moment he had been waiting for in his career and said (via GOAL):

"Three years ago, I decided to come to MLS, and today we are MLS champions. We reached the semifinals of the [CONCACAF] Champions Cup. Last year, we went out early in the league and were eliminated in the first round. This year, winning the MLS was one of our main objectives. The team made a huge effort - it was a very long year, with many matches - and we were up to the task all season. This is the moment I had been waiting for, and that we, as a team, were waiting for. It’s very beautiful for all of us. They deserved it."

Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in his first season at the club, while adding the MLS Supporters Shield in his second.