FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A brace of assists from Lionel Messi secured a first-ever MLS Cup title for Inter Miami CF after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on Saturday.

The victory completes a dramatic turnaround for a club that was languishing in the MLS basement when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner arrived in Miami as the biggest signing in MLS history in July 2023.

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It was the 44th senior title for Messi, who was named the MLS Cup MVP. It was also his third with Miami, having helped the team to the Leagues Cup in 2023 and Supporters' Shield in 2024. MLS Cup, though, is the biggest trophy so far for a club that launched with the backing of David Beckham in 2020.

"It's been an incredible journey," Beckham said.

At a pack

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