Far from Europe, a well-known rivalry rekindles: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami won the MLS Cup on Saturday, December 6th, while Ronaldo is still waiting for a league trophy in Saudi Arabia.
This Saturday, December 6, in Fort Lauderdale, the 2025 MLS Cup was more than just a championship game; it was the most recent development in one of the most famous rivalries in football.
Lionel Messi delivered 2 assists in the game, helping Inter Miami win their first MLS Cup. This has enabled him to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo, who hasn’t won the Saudi Pro League trophy since moving to the Middle East. Both luminaries are once again on parallel tracks in this subdued, meaningful race.
Since joining MLS, Messi has already lifted trophies—the 2023 Leagues Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, the Eastern Conference title, and now the MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi won the MLS Cup with Inter Miami.
Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at Chase Stadium to win the 2025 MLS Cup. Messi’s career total now stands at 47 trophies, and the victory represents the team’s first championship in its existence as well as his fourth since joining.
The Argentine class controlled the game, with Messi providing two crucial assists to Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende, who scored the game-winning goals. Ali Ahmed momentarily tied the score for Vancouver, but Édier Ocampo gave Miami the lead with an own goal.
Beyond the sporting glory, the night had a strong emotional component: it was the last professional match for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, two legends who closed their careers lifting the 2025 MLS Cup trophy alongside Messi. The euphoria at Chase Stadium reflected not only the triumph but also the closing of a historic chapter in world football.
