Inter Miami secured the MLS Cup 2025 championship with a decisive win against Vancouver Whitecaps. The brightest star in this campaign was Tadeo Allende, an Argentine forward having his career-best season by setting a new record for goals scored in the Playoffs.
The final at DRV PNK Stadium became a “defining night” for Allende. His goal in the 90+6 minute not only sealed a 3-1 victory for Inter Miami, but also allowed him to surpass legend Carlos Ruiz as the top goal scorer in MLS Playoffs history.
Top goal scorers in MLS Cup Playoffs history:
Tadeo Allende – Inter Miami (2025): 9 goals
Carlos Ruiz – LA Galaxy (2002): 8 goals
Raul Diaz Arce – DC United (1996): 6 goals
Dejan Joveljic – LA Galaxy (2024): 6 goals
Robbie Keane – LA Galaxy (2012): 6 goals
Roy Lassiter – Tampa Bay (1996): 6 goals
Lionel Messi – Inter Miami (2025): 6 goals
During the championship run, Allende failed to score in only one match. He finished the Playoffs with 11 goal contributions (9 goals, 2 assists), a performance even Messi admired. The Argentine star consistently carried the team with outstanding displays:
Round 1 Best-of-3: Scored a brace against Nashville SC in a 4-0 win.
Eastern Conference Semifinals: Another brace versus FC Cincinnati, with Inter Miami winning 4-0 away.
Deciding match for MLS Cup hosting rights: Allende recorded his first career hat-trick as Inter Miami crushed New York City FC 5-1.
At the finalhe capped off the Playoffs with a decisive stoppage-time goal, officially bringing Miami their first-ever trophy.
Few expected Allende, currently on loan to Miami from Celta Vigo, to deliver such a breakthrough season. In the 2025 MLS regular season, he scored 11 goals and made 1 assist in 31 games, but his Playoffs form truly transformed Miami into the top contender for the title.
After Lionel Messi helped the club win the 2023 Leagues Cup, Inter Miami finally reached the summit of MLS. Although Messi was not the main figure in the 2025 Playoffs, Allende’s presence turned the team into a more balanced and formidable unit than ever before.