| Club | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| LA Galaxy | 6 | 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2024 |
| D.C. United | 4 | 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004 |
| Columbus Crew | 3 | 2008, 2020, 2023 |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2 | 2000, 2013 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2 | 2001, 2003 |
| Houston Dynamo | 2 | 2006, 2007 |
| Seattle Sounders | 2 | 2016, 2019 |
| Chicago Fire | 1 | 1998 |
| Real Salt Lake | 1 | 2009 |
| Colorado Rapids | 1 | 2010 |
| Portland Timbers | 1 | 2015 |
| Toronto FC | 1 | 2017 |
| Atlanta United | 1 | 2018 |
| New York City FC | 1 | 2021 |
| Los Angeles FC | 1 | 2022 |
| Inter Miami ⭐ | 1 | 2025 |
Inter Miami just lifted their first MLS Cup trophy on December 6, 2025, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at Chase Stadium. Lionel Messi delivered two assists—because of course he did—and took home the MLS Cup MVP award. The victory marked a historic moment: the first championship for the franchise and the 47th career trophy for Messi.
But here's the reality check everyone needs before crowning Miami the new kings of MLS.
The all-time MLS Cup standings tell a different story
LA Galaxy still sits at the top with six MLS Cup titles (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2024). That's five more than Inter Miami. The Galaxy built their dynasty across two decades, with players like Landon Donovan and David Beckham. Inter Miami? They've got one trophy in six seasons of existence.
D.C. United comes second with four titles (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004), all won during the league's early years when they dominated American soccer. Columbus Crew has three championships (2008, 2020, 2023), proving consistent excellence across different eras.
Then you've got a tier of two-time winners: Sporting Kansas City (2000, 2013), San Jose Earthquakes (2001, 2003), Houston Dynamo (2006, 2007), and Seattle Sounders (2016, 2019). These clubs built sustained success, not just one magical run.
Inter Miami joins a crowded group of one-time winners
With their 2025 victory, Inter Miami becomes the 16th different franchise to win the MLS Cup. They join Chicago Fire (1998), Real Salt Lake (2009), Colorado Rapids (2010), Portland Timbers (2015), Toronto FC (2017), Atlanta United (2018), New York City FC (2021), and Los Angeles FC (2022) as single-time champions.
That's not a criticism—it's just facts. MLS has seen five different champions in the last five years. Parity runs deep in this league, which makes back-to-back titles incredibly rare.
What made 2025 special for Miami
Head coach Javier Mascherano led the team through 58 matches across all competitions this season. The numbers are impressive: 35 wins, 10 draws, 13 losses, and 129 goals scored. Messi won his second consecutive MLS MVP award—the first player in league history to do that—and claimed the Golden Boot with 29 goals and 19 assists in league play.
The MLS Cup final itself showcased exactly why Miami assembled this squad. Rodrigo De Paul scored the go-ahead goal in the 71st minute after Messi's assist. Tadeo Allende sealed it in the 96th minute with his record-setting ninth playoff goal of the season. Vancouver's Ali Ahmed had equalized in the 60th minute after an own goal gave Miami the early lead, but Miami's quality shone through when it mattered.
This was also the final match for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who both retired after lifting the trophy alongside their former Barcelona teammate.
Can they become a dynasty?
That's the real question. David Beckham became the first person to win MLS Cup as both a player (2011, 2012 with LA Galaxy) and owner. His investment in bringing Messi, Busquets, and Alba to South Florida clearly paid off. But dynasties require sustained success, not one brilliant season.
LA Galaxy needed over two decades to accumulate six titles. Miami has talent, money, and Messi still performing at 38 years old. But they're starting from one, not six. The 2026 season begins at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium, and the target on their back just got significantly bigger.
For now, Inter Miami sits tied with eight other franchises at the bottom tier of MLS Cup winners. The celebration is deserved. The legacy is just beginning.