Inter Miami won their first MLS Cup in 2025, with Messi’s two assists sealing a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps
Beckham’s vision came to life, building a star-studded, diverse squad including Messi, Alba, Busquets, and De Paul
MLS gains global attention ahead of World Cup 2026, showcasing its playoff format and rising stature
Inter Miami CF defeated Vancouver Whitecaps to become the latest Major League Soccer (MLS) champions, lifting their first-ever MLS Cup in 2025 thanks to Lionel Messi's brilliance and David Beckham's long-term vision for the club.
The MLS, the top tier of American football -- not to be confused with the gridiron -- has crowned many champions since its inception in 1996. But the 2025 triumph of Miami will be remembered as a watershed moment in the league's history.
The outfit, co-owned by former England midfielder David Beckham and Mas brothers (Jorge and Jose), had long been seen as a project with ambition but lacking the silverware to match.
However, that changed in Fort Lauderdale Saturday night (India time) when Messi, the global superstar who stunned the football world by joining MLS from French giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, orchestrated a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule and fixtures were being announced, Messi made two decisive assists for his Argentine compatriots Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende, sealing Inter Miami's first-ever national championship. In doing so, the former Barcelona player also secured the 47th trophy of his glittering career.
The Beckham-MLS Story
The presence of David Beckham at Chase Stadium, who celebrated with the players and co-owners, symbolised the journey from dream to reality. After the match, he reflected on the team's motto, "Freedom To Dream," a phrase now boldly displayed across their kits and merchandise.
Beckham left Real Madrid in 2007, aged 32, for the MLS to join Los Angeles Galaxy, a move widely regarded at the time as career suicide for a Galactico.
Fabio Capello, then head coach of Los Blancos, even said that Beckham was "going to Hollywood to be half a film star," adding, "our technical staff were right not to extend his contract, which has been proved by the fact that no other technical staff in the world wanted him except Los Angeles."
Though the Italian later backtracked on the statement, it served as a reflection of the perception surrounding the transfer. Of course, Beckham's MLS deal had a unique clause: the option to purchase an expansion franchise in any market outside New York City.
That opportunity eventually gave birth to Inter Miami in 2018, and the club officially joined the MLS in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beckham envisioned Inter Miami as a franchise capable of attracting the biggest names and competing at the highest level in North America, a common knowledge among those who follow MLS. His impact, in fact, can be likened to Pele's two-year stint with the New York Cosmos (1975-1977) in the now-defunct North American Soccer League -- the Brazilian giant as the pioneer, and the Englishman a moderniser who brought renewed relevance.
As both visionary and ambassador, Beckham has elevated the league's profile, while his team's success resonates far beyond South Florida. At 50, he can be credited with reshaping the very face of Major League Soccer.
Beyond Miami's Star Power
And Beckham's vision was realised not only through the signing of Messi but also thanks to the support of veterans like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who ended their careers as champions, alongside World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul.
'Home Ground' players of diverse nationalities also played crucial roles, including David Ruiz from Honduras, Israel Boatwright from the Dominican Republic, and Ian Fray from Jamaica, among many.
Each one played their part in a season defined by a historic national championship. The blend of star power and team spirit transformed Miami from a struggling side into one of the league's dominant forces within three seasons.
Next year, Javier Mascherano's Inter Miami are expected to begin their MLS title defence at Miami Freedom Park, the club's new home scheduled to open on April 4, 2026.
Still New To MLS?
What makes the Major League Soccer unique compared to more popular European leagues is its format. Unlike the Premier League in England or La Liga in Spain, where the team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned champions, MLS employs a playoff system.
The regular season determines seeding for elaborate conference play-offs, but the ultimate winners are decided via knockouts, culminating in the MLS Cup final.
The MLS structure mirrors American sports traditions, with limited or no promotion/relegation, a conference system, then the single-game final.
And just like the 'Big Four' leagues (MLB - baseball, NBA - basketball, NFL - American football, and NHL - ice hockey), MLS also features Canadian teams. Toronto FC were the MLS champions in 2017, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, in one inspiring campaign this season, came close to completing the double of CONCACAF Champions Cup and MLS Cup, but ended in heartbreak.
An Unmissable Broader Narrative
Inter Miami's rise, capped off with their first MLS Cup, is being hailed as a landmark moment in North American football. The timing is especially significant with the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
The showpiece, to be staged across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest ever held. It will feature 48 teams, with multiple nations making their debut, and is set to bring unprecedented global attention to the region's footballing landscape.
For Messi, who at 38 has expressed his desire to play in the competition, next year's event offers a chance to extend his legacy beyond Argentina's World Cup 2022 win in Qatar. And MLS might have rejuvenated the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
His arrival, with his own set of tailored-made deals, has already brought unprecedented attention, and the Heron's success has validated the league as a destination where legends can still achieve meaningful triumphs.
