Inter Miami CF clinches first title as Lionel Messi secures MVP honors
In short: The 30th MLS Cup delivered a historic conclusion at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. In a high-stakes final, Inter Miami CF overcame expansion rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC to secure their first championship, marked by a masterclass from Lionel Messi and a record-breaking global viewership.
The 2025 MLS Cup final, held on December 6, 2025, saw Inter Miami CF defeat the Vancouver Whitecaps FC with a 3–1 scoreline. This victory marked the first MLS Cup title for the Miami club, which joined the league as an expansion team. The match was a significant milestone for both finalists, as both clubs were making their debut appearances in an MLS Cup final. For Vancouver, the appearance was also notable as they became the first Canadian team to reach the championship since 2019.
Lionel Messi played a decisive role in the championship, providing two assists and earning the match's Most Valuable Player title. This win secured Messi's 47th career title and established a fresh MLS Cup playoff record for total goal involvements, reaching 15 through goals and assists. Miami co-owner David Beckham also reached a historic milestone, becoming the inaugural individual to secure the MLS Cup as both an owner and a player—having previously won with the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012.
The financial and viewership scale of the event was substantial. MLS reported a total of 4.6 million viewers across various platforms. Ticket demand was intense; while resale prices fluctuated between $359 and $2,211, the average cost on the TickPick platform was estimated at $464. This represents the second-highest average ticket price for an MLS Cup, following only the 2022 final in Los Angeles. The match was the final appearance for Inter Miami CF at Chase Stadium before their move to Nu Stadium in 2026.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: MLS Cup 2025
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