Morning everyone,

We had a lot of folks upgrade last week to get the full newsletter. Thank you all for the support! This edition is a juicy one. Dig in.

• 🏆️ Inter Miami Win MLS Cup

• 🇺🇸 Yanks Abroad

• 🇺🇸 USMNT World Cup Draw Results

• 🎟️ The Next World Cup Ticket Phase

• ⚽️ Goal of the Week

• 😂 Tweet of the Week

Inter Miami Win MLS Cup

Inter Miami completed their incredible postseason run with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps to claim their first MLS Cup in club history (full highlights here).

It was a fun game with both sides producing plenty of quality moments in the attacking third. Once again, though, Messi was the difference maker, playing a role in all three goals. Miami got off to a quick lead in the 8th minute after Messi swerved through a couple of defenders to break the press before Tadeo Allende crossed the ball off of Edier Ocampo’s leg for an own goal.

The Whitecaps kept fighting as they’ve done all season and found the equalizer in the second half with a goal from Ali Ahmed. They proceeded to control much of the ball and continued to look dangerous, nearly scoring on another sequence where Emmanuel Sabbi hit the post twice. Had that goal gone in, they likely would have won.

But 10 minutes later, Messi picked the pocket of an unsuspecting Andres Cubas and slipped the ball through to Rodrigo de Paul, who scored to take the lead. In the final minutes, Tadeo Allende sealed it off with a sensational assist from Messi. It was Allende’s record-breaking 9th goal and Messi’s 15th goal contribution of the playoffs. It was also fitting that the ball played to Messi was Jordi Alba’s final pass of his career. Alba and Sergio Busquets will both retire on a high, as Champions of a league they helped carry into the global spotlight.

Just over 2 years ago, Inter Miami were the worst team in MLS. Since Messi’s arrival, they’ve taken home the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters Shield, and now the MLS Cup. In a league full of failed DP signings, Messi and friends’ arrival in Miami has been sensational. The GOAT capped it off with his second straight MVP award, with 71 goal contributions in 49 games across all competitions.

While I understand how many MLS fans root against Miami and all their riches, I’m appreciative of the attention they have brought our league. Their presence has made a very positive impact on the game in our country. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be an American soccer fan.

Here’s just a bit of what you’re missing…

• A breakdown of the USMNT’s group stage opponents and their path to making a run in the World Cup

• The 3rd Phase of World Cup ticket sales and how to track World Cup ticket prices on the resale market

• A brace from Christian Pulisic

• A new soccer stadium is coming to Oklahoma City

• Real Madrid is interested in a USYNT player

Subscribe to Nutmeg+ to read the rest.