Photo: Rich Storry / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Miami, FL - Inter Miami captured its first MLS Cup championship on Saturday with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium.
Miami earned home-field advantage for the final after finishing the regular season with the league's best record.
The match also marked the final professional appearances for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who announced plans to retire at the end of the season.
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Miami opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Tadeo Allende broke into open space and attempted to set up Mateo Silvetti.
Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo tried to disrupt the play, but the ball deflected off him and went into the net for an own goal.
Vancouver created several opportunities before halftime, including a 38th-minute chance from Emmanuel Sabbi that was stopped by goalkeeper Rios Novos.
The Whitecaps tied the match in the 60th minute after Brian White moved the ball across the field to Ali Ahmed, whose shot slipped past Novos to make it 1-1.
Vancouver maintained possession, but a turnover in the 71st minute allowed Lionel Messi to advance with the ball and pass to Rodrigo De Paul, who scored to give Miami a 2-1 lead.
Miami added a third goal when Messi controlled a long pass from Alba and assisted Allende for a breakaway finish.
Vancouver held 65 percent possession but was unable to convert additional chances.
The win concludes Miami's final season at Chase Stadium before moving to Miami Freedom Park in 2026.