Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami to First MLS Cup Title with 3-1 Win Over Vancouver Whitecaps
Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to their maiden Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup triumph, delivering a masterclass in a 3-1 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Argentina superstar orchestrated Miami’s attack, providing two assists and creating another goal to secure the historic win, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
Miami opened the scoring via an early own goal by Edier Ocampo, but Vancouver quickly fought back when Ali Ahmed equalised in the 60th minute. With the Whitecaps looking dominant, Messi struck again, assisting teammate Rodrigo De Paul to restore Miami’s lead. He then supplied the final pass to Tadeo Allende in injury time, sealing a 3-1 victory.
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The win fulfilled the dream of co-owner David Beckham, who had long envisioned bringing soccer success to Miami. Beckham praised the club’s journey: “We always promised our fans that we would bring success, and bring the best players, and today we’ve achieved that.”
Vancouver, led by Thomas Mueller, had seemed poised to snatch the trophy after leveling the match and nearly taking the lead when Emmanuel Sabbi’s shot struck both posts in the 62nd minute. However, Messi’s quick thinking and precision passing proved decisive, capitalising on a midfield error by Andres Cubas.
The victory marks a historic milestone for Inter Miami, which joined the league as an expansion team in 2020 and successfully attracted Messi in 2023. The MLS Cup triumph also coincides with the retirement of former Spanish internationals Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, key contributors to Miami’s rise.
Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami to First MLS Cup Title with 3-1 Win Over Vancouver Whitecaps
Mohamed Salah Slams Liverpool Boss Arne Slot, Hints at Anfield Exit Ahead of AFCON Departure
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has launched a stunning attack on manager Arne Slot, accusing the club of “throwing him under the bus” after being benched for three consecutive matches. The outburst has sparked major speculation that the Anfield legend could be playing his final game for the club next weekend before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Salah, Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer with 250 goals in 420 games, was left out of the starting XI in Saturday’s 3–3 draw against Leeds and was not brought on at any point — a decision he said left him “very, very disappointed.”
Speaking in the mixed zone at Elland Road, the 32-year-old expressed shock at losing his place during Liverpool’s poor run, which has seen Slot’s side win just two of their last 10 Premier League matches and drop to eighth.
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“I have done so much for this club down the years… now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why,” Salah said. “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. Someone wants me to get all of the blame.”
The Egyptian star claimed he was given assurances last summer about his role, promises he believes have since been broken.
“I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship,” he added. “It seems to me someone doesn’t want me at the club.”
Salah revealed he has already told his family to attend next weekend’s match against Brighton, suggesting it may be his farewell appearance at Anfield.
“I will be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans before I go to the Africa Cup. I don’t know what will happen when I’m there,” he said.
Despite enduring a difficult season, Salah remains one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players. His rare public criticism marks a dramatic escalation in tensions ahead of his departure for international duty with Egypt.
Ferran Torres Hat-Trick Leads Barcelona to 5-3 Thrilling Win Over Real Betis
Barcelona moved four points clear at the top of La Liga after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja, courtesy of a first-half hat-trick by Ferran Torres.
Betis took an early lead in just the sixth minute through former Manchester United winger Antony, who scored his fifth goal of the season. However, Barcelona responded quickly, with Torres equalizing from close range before putting his team ahead with a sublime volley two minutes later.
Swedish youngster Roony Bardghji then scored his first La Liga goal, converting Pedri’s assist to extend the Catalan side’s lead to 3-1 after 30 minutes. Torres completed his third goal of the match just five minutes before halftime with a spectacular long-range strike, making it 4-1.
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In the second half, Barcelona were awarded a controversial penalty after VAR ruled that Marc Bartra handled the ball. Lamine Yamal converted calmly, marking his sixth goal of the season. Betis fought back with goals from Diego Llorente and a penalty converted by Cucho Hernandez following a foul by Jules Kounde, but it wasn’t enough to stop Barcelona’s triumph.
The win strengthens Hansi Flick’s side’s position atop La Liga, keeping them ahead of Real Madrid and maintaining momentum in their title challenge.
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