1 min read
Football Insider

A Historic Night: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's MLS Cup 2025 Triumph Breaks Records

The 2025 MLS Cup marked a watershed moment in league history, drawing a record-breaking 4.6 million viewers and setting new standards for fan engagement. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF secured their first MLS Cup with a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, captivating audiences worldwide.

A Historic Night: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's MLS Cup 2025 Triumph Breaks Records

The 2025 MLS Cup delivered record-breaking viewership on Dec. 6, drawing a combined 4.6 million viewers across platforms and setting new benchmarks for fan engagement. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF capped the night by winning their first MLS Cup title with a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium. Across all platforms, the 2025 MLS Cup reached 4.6 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched events in league history. Apple TV data showed the youngest MLS Cup audience ever, with roughly 70 percent of viewers under the age of 45, while average watch time stretched to around 70 minutes per viewer. That engagement extended well beyond the screen. Social media activity surged to a record 798 million impressions, representing a dramatic year-over-year increase and highlighting how MLS Cup has become a digital-first event for a younger, global audience.Inter Miami CF capped the night by lifting their first MLS Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in front of a sellout crowd of 21,550 at Chase Stadium. The occasion resonated far beyond South Florida, as more than 20,000 supporters gathered at BC Place in Vancouver for the largest away viewing party in MLS Cup history, underscoring the scale of fan investment on both sides.Viewership was spread across a wide distribution network, with more than 3.6 million fans watching via Apple TV, MLS Season Pass, TSN, RDS, FOX, Fox Deportes, TNT, HBO Max in Mexico and additional partners. In the United States, preliminary Nielsen panel data showed just under one million viewers for the full match window on FOX and Fox Deportes, with further measurement updates expected. Internationally, fans from more than 100 countries tuned in, reinforcing MLS Cup’s expanding global footprint. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingInter Miami will start their title defense on Feb. 21, when they travel to face Son Heung-Min's LAFC. 

1

Record-breaking Viewership

The 2025 MLS Cup set a new viewership record, attracting 4.6 million fans across various platforms. This incredible turnout solidified its position as one of the most-watched events in MLS history, showcasing the growing popularity of the league.

2

Engaging a Younger Audience

Apple TV data revealed that the 2025 MLS Cup boasted the youngest audience ever, with approximately 70 percent of viewers under 45 years old. The match's average watch time of 70 minutes per viewer demonstrated high levels of engagement and interest.

3

Digital-first Fan Experience

The event's success extended beyond traditional viewership numbers, with social media engagement soaring to a record 798 million impressions. This sharp increase highlighted the MLS Cup's evolution into a digital-first spectacle tailored to a younger, global audience.

4

Global Reach and Fan Celebration

Inter Miami's victory resonated worldwide, with fans from over 100 countries tuning in to witness history unfold. The club's triumph was celebrated not only in Miami but also in Vancouver, where a massive away viewing party drew more than 20,000 supporters, showcasing the league's growing international appeal.

Published on Dec 13, 2025