Lionel Messi was on the scoresheet as Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties to win the inaugural Leagues Cup title on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old Argentine scored Miami’s lone goal as both sides finished 1-1 in regulation time, and also converted his penalty during the shootout.
Messi’s latest trophy — his 44th ever — comes after just 36 days at a club previously labelled the worst in US Major League Soccer (MLS).
The former PSG attacker scored 10 goals in seven matches to also claim the golden boot.
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Messi gave Miami the lead on 23 minutes in characteristic fashion, bending into the top corner from the edge of the area. Fafa Picault restored parity as both teams had to settle the final via penalties where Drake Callander, Miami goalkeeper, stole the spotlight.
The 25-year-old American scored the 10th spotkick before saving the next to send the Herons into wild jubilation.
The Leagues Cup, previously an annual friendly tournament created in 2019, was this year adopted by CONCACAF, the continental football governing body, as a regional competition involving US and Mexico clubs.
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Inter Miami’s triumph is their first-ever trophy since the David Beckham-led franchise was created in 2018.
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