LIONEL Messi scored his 10th goal in seven games in the early hours of today to help his Inter Miami side to their first-ever trophy as they defeated Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties in the Leagues Cup final.
The 36-year-old Argentina captain fired home from outside the box to give Inter Miami the lead in the 23rd minute but Fafa Picault pulled Nashville SC level 12 minutes into the second half to send the game to penalties as full-time ended 1-1.
Inter Miami sealed the shootout win when Drake Callender saved Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco’s effort.
Messi’s new club, co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season before the World Cup-winning forward arrived last month alongside former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
They are now unbeaten in seven games on their way to winning the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring American Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX clubs.
This is the Inter Miami’s first trophy since the club was formed in 2020.
Messi has the opportunity to inspire Inter Miami to another final when they face Cincinnati in the semi-final of the US Open Cup on Wednesday.
Beckham, who played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy in a glittering career, said the former Barcelona trio were instrumental in the club’s change in fortunes.
“It is like a movie, you watch these players play and, emotionally, everything about their play is beautiful.”
With the win, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – who was named player of the tournament – has now won 44 trophies, more than any other player.
