FORT LAUDERDALE: Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to their first ever MLS Cup title on Saturday, playing a starring role in a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in Florida.&nbsp;Argentina superstar Messi provided assists for two goals and helped create another to spark wild celebrations before a rapturous home crowd at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.&nbsp;&quot;This is the moment that I&#39;ve been waiting for, and that we as a team have been waiting for,&quot; Messi, named MLS Cup Most Valuable Player, said afterwards.&nbsp;Miami took the lead after an early Edier Ocampo own goal, but were left reeling by Ali Ahmed&#39;s second-half equalizer for Vancouver.&nbsp;But Messi then laid on an assist for Argentina international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul to put Miami 2-1 up before supplying the pass for Tadeo Allende&#39;s injury-time goal that sealed victory.&nbsp;Miami&#39;s first Major League Soccer crown provided glittering vindication for co-owner David Beckham, the former England and Manchester United star who had long dreamed of bringing success to Miami.&nbsp;&quot;There was a lot of sleepless nights, but I always believed,&quot; Beckham said afterwards. &quot;I always believed in bringing the team here, and when I found the right partners I knew anything was possible.&nbsp;&quot;We always promised our fans that we would bring success, and bring the best players, and today we&#39;ve achieved that.&quot;&nbsp;Vancouver, spearheaded by German legend Thomas Mueller, had looked the likelier victor after recovering from Ocampo&#39;s eighth-minute own goal to level through Ali Ahmed in the 60th minute.&nbsp;The Whitecaps almost took the lead moments after the equalizer, with Emmanuel Sabbi&#39;s shot crashing off both posts in the 62nd minute as Miami escaped.

Football

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title with a 3-1 win over Vancouver, providing two assists. Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende scored, fulfilling co-owner David Beckham’s vision for the club.

Articles tagged with "MLS Cup"

Messi dazzles as Miami beat Vancouver to win MLS title