It would be a stretch to describe Lionel Messi’s role in winning his first MLS Cup as pickpocket, but it would be fair to say he stole the show in Inter Miami’s first league final.

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Paul Kennedy edited Soccer America for 41 years (1985-2026). He began writing for SA in 1974. He started writing for France Football in 1978 and has served on in Ballon d'Or jury since 2007.