Messi notched a pair of assists as Inter Miami captured their first MLS Cup title with a 3-1 victory over the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps. Messi, who also was named the MLS Cup MVP, set up Rodrigo de Paul in the 71st minute and Tadeo Allende in second-half stoppage time.
"This is the the moment that I've been waiting for, and that we as a team have been waiting for," Messi, named MLS Cup Most Valuable Player, said afterwards.
Miami had won the regular season campaign with a record points total but after losing twice in the best-of-three series, the MLS Cup favourites and their eight-times Ballon d'Or winner are out.
