Champion of MLS, Messi is recognized as the GOAT of football

Lionel Messi continues to affirm his iconic position by guiding Inter Miami to their inaugural MLS Cup championship, breaking multiple individual records and captivating supporters worldwide.

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to win their first MLS Cup title in history with 2 assists, helping the team nicknamed The Herons defeat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final held on December 7. This trophy marks the 47th in Messi's career and his third since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

An own goal by Edier Ocampo put Inter Miami ahead in the 8th minute. However, Vancouver responded with an equalizer by Ali Ahmed at the 60th minute. Just when the match seemed poised for a tense finish, Messi combined with Rodrigo De Paul, assisting the former Atletico Madrid player to restore Inter Miami’s lead.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner registered a second assist during stoppage time, delivering a precise pass to Tadeo Allende who sealed the victory. These two assists raised Messi’s career total to 407, extending his record as the all-time leader in assists. This was also his 23rd assist in the MLS this season, the highest in the league.

Not only did Messi impress with his passing, but he also delivered a top-tier performance in the final, earning the highest match rating of 8.5 from Sofascore. After the game, fans flooded social media platform X praising him and calling the Argentine legend the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

One user wrote: “No player has ever moved me like Messi.”

Another posted: “Stop comparing him to anyone else. Leo Messi truly is the GOAT of football.”

A different supporter added: “Messi just won football’s biggest trophy.”

Another fan commented: “Lionel Messi has won 47 titles, the most in football history. He even broke his own record.”

Another account shared: “Messi’s performance in the Playoffs will go down in MLS history. He really is the GOAT of football.”

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has added to the club’s trophy cabinet with the Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and MLS Cup.

Besides helping The Herons win their first MLS Cup, Messi also set an impressive personal record in the final. With 2 assists in the last match, he set the record for most assists in a single MLS Playoffs season with 7 assists over 6 games.

Moreover, Messi finished the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs leading in goal involvements (13), creating the most dangerous chances (8), having the highest expected assists (xA) value (2.30), making the most key passes (21), and delivering the most accurate through balls (7).

Capping it all off, he was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the MLS Cup (MLS Cup Most Valuable Player).

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