Inter Miami secured their first MLS Cup crown on Saturday, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 at Chase Stadium as Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende struck late from a pair of Lionel Messi assists.

Despite Thomas Mueller driving a Vancouver side that controlled long stretches and created the better chances, the final ultimately swung on the Argentine’s influence, as he secured his first MLS league title and capped his finest season on American soil.

“This was one of our main goals,” Messi, who was named MVP, said.

“Last year we finished first in the league and unfortunately we were knocked out in the first round. The MLS was the ultimate prize. The team put in a tremendous effort and rose to the occasion,” the 38-year-old added.

Miami opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Messi slipped Allende into space and the winger’s low cross deflected off Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo and into his own net.

Vancouver kept control of the ball after the break and finally made it count on the hour mark when Ali Ahmed drove into the box and fired a low shot that Rios Novo reached but could not keep out, the ball rolling over the line to bring the visitors level

Miami restored their lead in the 71st minute when Messi pounced on a loose Vancouver touch and slid the ball across the box for Rodrigo De Paul, who swept his finish past Yohei Takaoka to cap the move with trademark composure.

The hosts sealed the title deep into stoppage time when Messi threaded a pass to Allende, sparking emotional scenes with Jordi Alba in tears as he and Sergio Busquets — longtime friends and former Barcelona teammates — closed out their final match.

“I’m happy for them. Finishing their careers this way is very nice for everyone,” Messi said of his teammates.

“Something very beautiful is coming to an end for them, something to which they have devoted their entire lives. I wish them all the best. They are two friends whom I love very much, and I am happy that they can leave with this title.”

JOY FOR BECKHAM

David Beckham, the club’s co-owner and longtime architect of Miami’s project, joined the on-field celebrations after the final whistle.

“All credit to Vancouver, they played a great game and put us under a lot of pressure. After their goal they were on top of us,” the former England captain said.

“When you give the ball to Leo (Messi), he creates chances. The team stuck together, and they’ve done that all year.”

He added that the path to the title had been anything but smooth: “There were a lot of sleepless nights. I always believed in Miami and in bringing a team here… We promised our fans we’d bring the best players and bring success. Next year is a new year and we go again — but tonight, we celebrate.”

-Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

American professional soccer club, Real Salt Lake has acquired Nigerian striker Victor Olatunji from Czech top-flight side Sparta Prague on Wednesday.

Olatunji, 25, arrives for a reported $2.5 million transfer fee and is under contract through June 2028 with options for the rest of 2028 and all of 2029.

To complete the deal, Real Salt Lake is sending $125,000 in 2026 general allocation money to D.C. United to obtain Olatunji’s discovery priority.

“We are excited to welcome Victor to Utah, another move we’ve been working on for some time,” RSL chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid said. “Victor’s speed, strength and intelligence in the box should allow him to fit into our attack.”

Olatunji has racked up 42 goals and 11 assists in 192 club appearances in Austria, Cyprus, Slovakia and the Czech Republic since 2017.

-Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Lionel Messi has been suspended for one game after sitting out the MLS All-Star Game without prior approval, the league said on Friday.

The Inter Miami forward and his teammate, Jordi Alba, did not compete on Wednesday despite not being injured, even though they were included in the All-Star roster.

“Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match,” MLS said in a statement.

The suspension will see Messi, the league’s main attraction, miss Inter Miami’s match against the visiting FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Cincinnati lead the Eastern Conference standings.

Messi has scored 18 goals so far this season.

“I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s a player – or anyone – who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.”

All-Star competitions are a mainstay of North American sports, where the men’s “Big Four” leagues use the exhibitions to boost their players’ profiles, but a rarity in professional soccer.

“We’re going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve,” said Garber.

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas described both players as “consummate professionals” who were “extremely upset” about the suspensions.

He explained that the club made the decision for the players to miss the All-Star game to prioritize their rest and health during a demanding stretch of matches. Mas strongly criticized the rule, calling it “draconian.”

“The ones that get penalized are the club, the fans, sponsors, Apple TV, and so on,” Mas told reporters during a conference call on Friday

“I expressed our disagreement with the league’s decision, and I had conversations with the commissioner both this morning and late last night,” he said.

“But notwithstanding that, the decision is what it is.”

Mas added that there was no appeals process available

-Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H