David Beckham made history in Fort Lauderdale as Inter Miami’s 3–1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final saw the club president and co-owner become the first person to lift the league’s ultimate prize both on the field and in the boardroom, a feat he hailed as “one of the greatest moments” of his glittering career.
Inter Miami’s landmark victory capped a rapid rise for the expansion side, which needed only six seasons from its 2020 MLS debut to capture a first league championship and add the MLS Cup to a growing trophy collection. Lionel Messi orchestrated the triumph with a two-assist masterclass, earning match MVP honors as late goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende, plus an early own goal, overturned a strong challenge from Vancouver at a sold-out Chase Stadium.
For Beckham, who twice won MLS Cup as a player with LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012 before spearheading the Inter Miami project as an owner, the night represented the realization of a long-stated ambition to replicate that success from the executive suite. The 50-year-old Englishman, who has spent more than a decade pushing the Miami franchise from concept to contender, celebrated on the pitch with players and staff after full time and later told The Athletic that adding a title as an owner ranks among the most special achievements of his career.
The defeat ended a remarkable postseason run for the Whitecaps, led by veteran German star Thomas Müller, who had carried Vancouver to a first-ever MLS Cup appearance. But a late surge from Miami, powered by Messi’s enduring brilliance, underlined why the Herons have become one of MLS’s marquee attractions and ensured the night would belong to Beckham, his star captain, and a fan base now celebrating a first league crown.
