After a pass from Messi, world champion Rodrigo De Paul reached the Argentinian Tadeo Allende in the eighth minute, whose cross ended up in the goal via Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo: 1-0.
This is what the path to the final looks like for the Dutch national team at the 2026 World Cup: a tough follow-up threatens
The Whitecaps, with Thomas Müller in the starting line-up, tied the score after an hour through Ali Ahmed. Ten minutes later, Messi won the ball in midfield and enabled De Paul to make it 2-1. Allende made it 3-1 in injury time after further preparatory work by Messi.
Will Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets stop?
Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, among others, also played for Inter Miami. For the former FC Barcelona players, their successful career ends with a final prize.
Messi was eliminated early from the battle for the national championship in his first two seasons at Inter Miami. Earlier this year, the star signed a three-year contract.