"Conquering North America" as a farewell gift, Messi bids goodbye to old friends

Written by Han Bing When Messi bids farewell to his old friends, what is the finest gift? Of course, a championship trophy. A decade ago, to see off Xavi, Messi delivered his latest treble; eight years ago, for Neymar's departure, he handed over the Copa del Rey; seven years ago, when Iniesta left, Messi presented the Spanish league and cup double. On December 6, Inter Miami defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 to claim their first-ever MLS (Major League Soccer) title, and Messi used this conquest of North America’s first league championship to bid farewell to the soon-to-retire Busquets and Alba.

For Messi and Inter Miami, this farewell season to friends was unprecedentedly long. They played 58 matches competing for all five trophies, setting a record for the most games in a single MLS season. Fortunately, thanks to outstanding performances from Messi and his teammates, after missing out on four trophies, Inter Miami won their first and last trophy of the season by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps at their farewell match at the Chase Park Stadium. Besides saying goodbye to veterans Busquets and Alba, Inter Miami also bid farewell to their six-year temporary home at Chase Park and will move into the brand-new Miami Freedom Park Stadium next year, starting a new era with the MLS championship trophy.

This is the third trophy Messi has won since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, and the most significant one. In 2023, Messi led the team to the Leagues Cup title, scoring 10 goals and providing 1 assist in 7 matches, earning the top scorer, best player, and champion honors. In 2024, Messi helped the team win the MLS regular season title (Supporters' Shield) and claimed the MLS MVP award. However, Inter Miami was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, missing out on the overall championship. At the end of the year, FIFA controversially designated Inter Miami as the host and participant of the 2025 Club World Cup, sparking debate because, like other major North American leagues, MLS officially recognizes the playoff champion as the league champion. FIFA’s irregular appointment seems aimed at leveraging Messi to boost the Club World Cup’s popularity.

This year, Inter Miami appointed Hoyos, known as "Messi’s godfather" from La Masia, as sporting director, and former teammate Mascherano as head coach. They loaned striker Allende from La Liga’s Celta, brought in 19-year-old Silvetti from Messi’s youth club Newell’s Old Boys, and added defensive midfielder De Paul. The bench depth was strong enough to challenge for the championship. Unfortunately, the team was swept by Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals in May, exited the Club World Cup in the round of 16 in June, and lost the Leagues Cup final to Seattle Sounders in September. In November, they finished third in both the Eastern Conference and overall regular season standings by just one point. Despite scoring 81 goals, the highest in the regular season, the only trophy left to fight for was the playoff championship.

Starting with the revenge win over Seattle Sounders on September 17 by 3-1 in the MLS regular season, Messi entered “King of Football” mode. He scored 10 goals and provided 8 assists in 8 regular-season matches, then added 6 goals and 7 assists in 6 playoff games. Especially in the final against the Vancouver Whitecaps, who had defeated Inter Miami twice earlier, Messi assisted twice in the second half to seal the MLS championship. His compatriot Allende, with 9 goals and 2 assists in 6 playoff matches, was Messi’s key partner, also delivering a goal and assist in the final. De Paul took on defensive duties, with Inter Miami conceding only 5 goals in 6 playoff games and scoring 20, a major improvement in defense that laid the foundation for their title win.

The trophy at Chase Park, the shower of confetti, and the pink towels were the best farewell gifts for Busquets and Alba. At the same time, this marked Messi’s third league championship in his career. Messi also claimed the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 regular-season games, and a total of 35 goals and 23 assists in 34 matches throughout the season, along with an undisputed MVP award. Leading multiple statistical categories including 7 playoff assists, involvement in 13 goals, creation of 8 big chances, and 21 key passes, Messi was unquestionably the all-around MLS king this season.

The MLS championship is Messi’s 13th league title and the 47th trophy of his career. Among these, 35 were with Barcelona, 3 with PSG, 3 with Inter Miami, and 6 with Argentina. However, the total count of trophies is somewhat debated: the football world generally includes the 2005 Spanish Super Cup, though Messi was not in the matchday squad for either leg then. Additionally, Inter Miami’s 2024 Eastern Conference title is not recognized by FIFA as an official championship.

Having renewed his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, Messi’s goal for next year is to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup and complete the grand slam of all North American competitions. Of course, the most important target remains the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. For Messi and Inter Miami, winning the club’s first MLS championship marks a milestone and the beginning of a brand-new era next year.