Inter Miami came away with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in a fiercely contested match that showcased both aggression and tactical sharpness. Lionel Messi stood out, providing two key assists that helped secure the win. The game was also particularly special as it marked the final professional appearances of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
After the match, Messi, upon receiving the award for the best player, was asked about what the title meant to him in light of the retirements of Busquets and Alba. “It’s a lot of happiness, it was one of our goals. We managed to win the Leagues Cup and had a great year. The team worked tremendously hard and delivered all season. I’m happy for what we achieved, for them, ending their careers this way is beautiful, well-deserved. Today closes a very special chapter, and I wish them the best, two friends I care about deeply.”
A long journey, a career spanning many years, and two shared clubs for these three legends, Messi, Alba, and Busquets, has come to an end. And what better way to close it out than by winning a championship in their final competition together. Each played a crucial role in the team’s success.
Messi led Miami throughout the season, and in the final he delivered once again, providing two key assists that sealed the victory, the first to Rodrigo De Paul for the 2-1 lead, and in the closing minutes, a brilliant assist to Tadeo Allende to crown Inter Miami champions.
How many titles did Messi, Alba, and Busquets win together?
The legendary partnership of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba resulted in a total of 19 official titles won while playing together. The vast majority of this trophy haul came at FC Barcelona, where they played together from 2012 to 2021. This period included the club’s second treble in the 2014/2015 season, highlighted by the UEFA Champions League, marking one of the most golden eras in modern soccer history.
Of the 19 trophies, 16 were lifted at Camp Nou, demonstrating near-total dominance in Spanish soccer. During this time, the trio formed the core of a team that won five La Liga titles and five Copa del Rey trophies, in addition to the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. Their connection, particularly between Alba and Messi on the left flank, was a constant source of assists and goals.
After leaving Barcelona, the iconic trio added three final titles with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. In a short period in the United States, they won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and capped their time at the club with the MLS Cup, reaching a total of 19 titles together. This group of players will undoubtedly remain in soccer history.