Messi guides Inter Miami to secure their inaugural trophy.

 

Lionel Messi netted an early goal during regulation and also successfully converted the initial penalty shot as Inter Miami triumphed over Nashville SC with a 10-9 victory in the penalty shootout during the Leagues Cup final on Saturday night.

Midway through the first half, Lionel Messi scored his 10th goal in seven games since joining Inter Miami, all of which were in the Leagues Cup competition. His new team secured its inaugural trophy as a result.

In the penalty shootout, Messi initiated proceedings by successfully converting his penalty kick. The penalty kicks extended to the 11th round, evolving into a goalkeeper's duel. Miami's Drake Callender not only scored his penalty but also made the decisive save on a shot taken by Nashville's Elliot Pannico, clinching the title.

In a jubilant scene, Miami players lifted Messi onto their shoulders, engaging in an extended celebration on the field long after the trophies had been presented.

Miami's Coach Tata Martino attributed the team's success to the integration of new arrivals such as Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who quickly meshed with the squad.

"We had to incorporate a lot of new players but I’m very impressed how it came together," Martino commented through a translator. Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, he reminisced, "I remember the first days (in charge). We needed to do more training sessions to shape the team, and I was thinking, how fortunate it is to progress in this tournament because we can leverage this month to play more. But after this month, we are champions."

Martino's postgame press conference was abruptly interrupted when Miami players burst into the room, singing and spraying champagne on the coach. However, the celebratory period won't be lengthy as Miami is scheduled to face Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday, August 23rd.

Nashville coach Gary Smith acknowledged Messi's pivotal role, stating, "You’re looking at a game with possibly the greatest player on the planet making the difference in what transpired today."

vCallender expressed pride in his role contributing to Inter Miami's victory in the tournament.

"It’s an immense honor to play a part in securing our first championship in a final," Callender conveyed. He went on to express the surreal and emotional nature of the experience, underscoring the team's dedicated efforts day in and day out. He marveled at the team's determination and belief in their capabilities, emphasizing the significance of the achievement and his gratitude for being part of it.

During the penalty shootout, Callender maintained a calm demeanor, focusing on staying composed despite the electric atmosphere. He reflected on embracing the moment and trusting in the preparation and practice he had put in leading up to that crucial point.

Messi initiated the scoring in the 23rd minute. After a pass from teammate Robert Taylor was deflected, the ball found its way to Messi's feet. He skillfully maneuvered past Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman and launched a bending shot from just outside the penalty box into the top left corner of the goal. Despite a diving attempt by Panicco, he had no chance to intercept the ball.

Zimmerman acknowledged Messi's exceptional skill, noting that the shot's precision and placement made the difference. Despite the challenge posed by Zimmerman, Messi's expertise prevailed, resulting in an unfortunate outcome for the Nashville side.

Before his pivotal goal, Messi faced boos from the crowd and seemed relatively subdued in influence. However, his stature as a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and his role in leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup last year garnered cheers when he found the back of the net.

Nashville managed to level the score in the 56th minute, as Fafa Picault's header from a corner kick deflected off Miami's Benjamin Cremaschi and ultimately entered the net, bypassing goalkeeper Callender.

In the 71st minute, Messi attempted another shot from the same region he had scored earlier, but this time, his effort struck the post, resulting in a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation.

In the final moments of regulation play, Miami striker Leonardo Campana had an opportunity to secure the victory, but his sliding shot at an open goal struck the post, leading to a collective moment of disappointment, even for Messi, who showed his frustration.

The buzz surrounding Messi was palpable in Music City, especially after Nashville SC earned their place in the final against Miami with a win against Mexico's Monterrey. Ticket prices surged following the announcement, though they tapered somewhat in the days leading up to the game. Despite the cost, a packed crowd of 30,109 filled Geodis Park.

Local celebrity Reese Witherspoon presented the game ball, and two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo took shots on goal before the match. Both Witherspoon and Antetokounmpo are minority owners of Nashville SC.

Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi and his teammates celebrated with the trophy after Inter Miami clinched victory in the Leagues Cup final on August 19, 2023.