Inter Miami began the year in contention for five trophies. But this was the one they wanted, and now it is theirs. The Herons are MLS Cup champions after a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, finishing a turbulent year having played 58 games – an all-time MLS record for games played by a team in a calendar year.

This was an MLS Cup moment won by moments of the small, everyday sublime – combined with less-picturesque moments that proved decisive. And while Messi was at the genesis of both goals, both were scored thanks to his larger influence on a team crafted specifically for him.

A Vancouver own goal opened the scoring off a move that was set up by a minor moment of Messi Magic. Vancouver equalized in the second half with after a botched save from a near-post effort from Ali Ahmed. And Messi’s Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul, a midseason arrival from Atlético Madrid, delivered the goal that won the 48th title in the career of his countryman in the 71st minute off a poor turnover by the otherwise excellent Whitecaps midfielder Andrés Cubas.

Tadeo Allende’s goal in stoppage time, off another brilliantly lobbed assist from Messi, removed all doubt. The on-loan Celta Vigo man finished calmly past Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, head coach Javier Mascherano sprinted on to the field, kissed the grass, and celebrated as if he was a player once again.

This is a developing story.