Lionel Messi was widely expected to be the undisputed star of the night after leading Inter Miami to the MLS Cup title. The final match against the Vancouver Whitecaps ended in a 3–1 victory, securing the club's first major trophy in its short history. The night also carried a bittersweet tone as it marked the final professional match for two of Messi's closest teammates and longtime friends: Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Both players announced their retirement from professional football after this game, making the occasion deeply emotional for the entire squad and fans alike.
However, in the midst of the celebrations, it was Messi's youngest son, 10-year-old Mateo, who unexpectedly captured the world's attention. Following the final whistle, the pitch became a family playground. Players' children ran freely across the lush grass, but Mateo stood out when he began juggling a soccer ball with surprising skill for his age. He then stunned everyone by completing his first-ever "around the world" trick — a freestyle move where the player loops the ball around their standing leg while keeping it in the air. The moment instantly went viral on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) where clips surpassed a million views within minutes.
After successfully landing the trick, Mateo proudly pointed toward his father Lionel Messi and then toward Luis Suárez, as if to show off his achievement. The adults around him, including Suárez, burst into laughter and applause. It was a candid, heartwarming scene that reminded fans of the human side of elite football. Many fans commented that it was a sign that the "Messi gene" is alive and well. Others joked that the "heir is here" and that "the dynasty continues." The moment emerged as one of the most talked-about highlights of the championship celebration, even overshadowing some of the formal proceedings.
Mateo's viral trick, however, was just one piece of a much larger story. Inter Miami's journey to the MLS Cup had been remarkable. The club, co-owned by David Beckham, was founded in 2018 and began play in 2020. In just a few years, it transformed from an expansion team into a championship contender, largely due to the arrival of Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023. Messi's presence elevated the team's profile globally, attracting stars like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez to join him in South Florida. Under head coach Javier Mascherano — himself a former teammate of Messi from Barcelona and the Argentine national team — the team jelled quickly, blending veteran experience with young talents from the MLS draft and international signings.
The 2024 MLS season was one of dominance for Inter Miami. They finished at the top of the Eastern Conference, setting a record for most points in a regular season. The playoff run included dramatic victories over Toronto FC, CF Montréal, and a tightly contested semifinal against LAFC. In the final, they faced the Vancouver Whitecaps, a team known for its resilient defense and counterattacking style. Miami took an early lead through a goal from Leonardo Campana, but Vancouver equalized before halftime. In the second half, Messi delivered a trademark assist to Suárez, who scored a stunning volley. Another goal from Robert Taylor sealed the 3–1 victory, sparking wild celebrations from the players and the capacity crowd at DRV PNK Stadium.
The post-match festivities were emotional. The team raised the MLS Cup trophy, with Messi and Mascherano hoisting it together. Fireworks lit up the night sky. But the most poignant moment may have been the farewells for Alba and Busquets. Both players have had illustrious careers: Alba with Barcelona and Spain, and Busquets as a midfield anchor for Barcelona and the national team. After the match, they received standing ovations from the crowd and their teammates. Messi, visibly moved, embraced each of them for a long time on the pitch. The trio — often called the "Barcelona connection" — had been inseparable since their days at La Masia and later at Camp Nou. This final chapter in Inter Miami felt like a fitting end to their shared journey.
Mateo's trick added a layer of joy to an already celebratory night. The "around the world" move is not easy to master; it requires excellent coordination and feel for the ball. That a 10-year-old could perform it on such a big stage, surrounded by world-class players, was impressive. It also highlighted how football talent can run in families, though Mateo's older brother Thiago has also shown skill in viral videos. But Mateo's uninhibited display captured the innocence and fun of the sport.
Social media reactions came from around the world. Fans from Argentina, Spain, the United States, and beyond shared the clip. Many noted that Mateo appeared to have inherited his father's close ball control and flair. Some even jokingly suggested that Barcelona should sign him immediately. The moment also generated positive publicity for MLS, showcasing the family-friendly nature of the league's atmosphere.
Beyond the festivities, the night carried deeper significance for Lionel Messi. He added another trophy to his legendary career, which already includes multiple Champions League titles, La Liga titles, a World Cup, and numerous individual awards like the Ballon d'Or. For Messi, this MLS Cup was not just another piece of silverware; it was a testament to his ability to inspire a new club in a new league. It also marked the end of an era with Alba and Busquets, who have been part of his core circle for over a decade. The trio's telepathy on the field was legendary, especially during Barcelona's golden years under Pep Guardiola. Watching them finish together as champions was a poetic conclusion.
Inter Miami's victory also validated the club's ambitious project. Building a team around aging stars was risky, but it paid off in terms of results and global engagement. The team's games now attract massive viewership, and the club's merchandise sales have soared. The presence of Messi has transformed MLS in many ways, elevating its profile to new heights. Young American players have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest ever, and the league's quality continues to improve.
In the locker room after the match, as champagne was sprayed and songs were sung, Mateo and the other children of players were part of the celebration. It was a reminder that football is not just about trophies and statistics; it is about moments of happiness shared with loved ones. Mateo's viral trick will be remembered as one of those special moments that transcended the game itself. The night was historic for Inter Miami, emotional for the retiring players, and delightful for the Messi family. And while Mateo stole the spotlight, the true winners were the fans who witnessed a beautiful blend of sport and family.
Source: beIN SPORTS News