Inter Miami are officially the MLS Cup champions. The Herons took down the Vancouver Whitecaps in the finale at Chase Stadium on Saturday, with Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende both scoring in the victory.
The Whitecaps got off to a bad start less than 10 minutes into the game after a pass to Edier Ocampo bounced to the back of the net, resulting in an own goal. While Ali Ahmed’s goal at the hour mark leveled things up, De Paul put Inter Miami back in the lead in the 71st minute.
Allende, for his part, secured the championship in stoppage time, off a brilliant assist from Lionel Messi.
It is Inter Miami’s first MLS Cup title. Making it extra special, it’s their first appearance in the championship and first MLS Cup final played in the state of Florida.
After the victory, Messi’s family was naturally ecstatic with the result. Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, made sure to celebrate the moment with a sweet post on social media.
“Congratulations love. . .” Roccuzzo wrote, along with a photo of the couple and their three kids posing with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy. “MLS Cup Champions. We love you @leomessi.”
It’s certainly a moment to remember for Messi and Inter Miami. The Argentine star was definitely proud of the accomplishment, although he emphasized that they were really focused on winning this campaign after failing to get the trophy last year.
“Last year we went out early in the league and were eliminated in the first round,” Messi said in Spanish after the game, according to the Associated Press. “This year, winning 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.”
