Lionel Messi has hailed the ‘emotional moment’ after Inter Miami sealed a first-ever MLS Cup with victory over Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday.
The Herons who had claimed the Eastern Conference division title with a comprehensive 5-1 win over New York City FC last week, defeated the Western Conference winners 3-1 to claim a maiden league title.
It marked a remarkable turnaround for a club that were languishing in the bottom position when Messi joined as the biggest signing in MLS history in 2023.
The club had previously won the Leagues Cup in Messi’s debut campaign and the Supporters’ Shield in the last campaign.
“A beautiful, emotional moment for us, for the people of Miami, to be able to achieve the MLS objective”, Messi, who won the MVP award, revealed.
“It’s a very new club, so to speak. When we played before, we were lucky enough to win a title, but this was the real objective, to win MLS and be at the top of the American league, and luckily we achieved it.”
Edier Ocampo deflected a cross into his own net in the eighth minute to give Inter Miami an early lead, which they took into the interval.
Vancouver improved as the game progressed and got their equalizer in the 60th minute through Ali Ahmed.
Messi then took matters into his own hands with the assists for both of the Herons’ next two goals.
The Argentine picked up a ball in midfield and threaded a well-weighted pass for countryman Rodrigo De Paul to slot in for a 2-1 lead.
The 38-year-old also fed the impressive Allende, who finished home in stoppage-time to spark wild celebrations among the players and supporters.
“We were fortunate to play at home, a huge joy for the people, so we have to enjoy it.”
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