“Truly the football GOAT” - Fans salute Lionel Messi as he shines in MLS Cup final to help Inter Miami finish champions

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup with two assists as the Herons defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final on Saturday, December 6. It marked the 48th trophy of Messi’s career and his fourth since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

An Edier Ocampo own goal put the Herons in front after just eight minutes. However, Vancouver responded through Ali Ahmed on the hour mark to level the score. Just when it seemed like Inter Miami were set for a tense finale, Lionel Messi combined with Rodrigo de Paul, setting up the former Atletico Madrid man to restore Inter Miami’s lead.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner registered his second assist of the game deep into added time, picking out Tadeo Allende, who sealed the win. The two assists took Messi’s career tally to 407, extending his record as the player with the most assists in football history. It was also his 23rd assist of the MLS season, more than any other player.

In addition to his assists, Messi produced a stellar performance in the final, as he was the highest-rated player with a match rating of 8.5, as per Sofascore. After the match, fans took to X to heap praise on him, with one writing:

“No player will ever make me feel like Messi does.”

Another tweeted:

“Don't compare him to anyone else. Leo Messi is truly the football GOAT. 🐐”

A third added:

“Messi just won the biggest trophy in football.”

“Lionel Messi has now won 48 trophies, the most in the history of football, he has broken the record previously held by Lionel Messi 🐐” another chimed in.

A fan claimed:

“Messi's playoff performance will go down in MLS history”

Since Messi arrived at Inter Miami, he has won the Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield, MLS Eastern Conference Cup, and MLS Cup.

Lionel Messi achieves new milestone as Inter Miami win first-ever MLS Cup

Apart from helping the Herons win their first-ever MLS Cup, Lionel Messi also broke an impressive individual record on the night. With his two assists in the final, he set a new MLS Playoffs assist record, creating seven assists in six matches.

Morevoer, he finished the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs with the most goal involvements (13), created the most big chances (8), had the most xA accumulated (2.30), created the most key passes (21) and accurate through balls (7).

To crown it all, he was named MLS Cup Most Valuable Player.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide