Messi Inspires Inter Miami to first trophy in club's History
Sunday ,20 August, 2023
By McCreadie Andias
Argentine Foward Lionel Messi scored in the 23rd minute and Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC in a penalty shootout 10-9 to win the Leagues Cup and lift the club's first trophy in history after finishing in regulation 1-1 Saturday night at GEODIS Park. Drake Callender had quite the night, scoring an own goal, saving two penalties in the shootout, and making the crucial take past Nashville's keeper Elliot Pannico to give Miami the victory. Callender was also named the keeper of the tournament.
Messi was named player of the tournament and won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals and assisting on one more in what was a dominating if not magical introduction to soccer fans in the United States. It is also the 44th trophy of Messi's illustrious career, an all-time record.
In a clash between expansion clubs that joined the league at the same time, Messi proved to be the difference -- just like he has been since joining Inter Miami -- by opening the scoring in the first half. Nashville's Fafa Picault would create a chance from a corner late in the match that led to Callender's own goal before Leonardo Campana missed a chance at an open net that could've won the match for the Herons, who were composed enough in the penalty shootout to see the job through.
It was a game that had something for everyone as Nashville were the first team to hold Inter Miami scoreless for the first 20 minutes of a game that Messi started, but his individual brilliance always shines through. Scoring through five Nashville defenders, Messi's goal was unstoppable even though everyone was well positioned.
This may be Miami's first trophy in history but they're hoping to add to it quickly with the Herons playing in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23 against FC Cincinnati. Miami will be looking to qualify for the playoffs when their Major League Soccer regular season play resumes on Aug. 26 versus the New York Red Bulls. During this short period, Messi has already raised expectations for the club as the sky is the limit for what they can do.
This may be Miami's first trophy in history but they're hoping to add to it quickly with the Herons playing in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23 against FC Cincinnati. Miami will be looking to qualify for the playoffs when their Major League Soccer regular season play resumes on Aug. 26 versus the New York Red Bulls. During this short period, Messi has already raised expectations for the club as the sky is the limit for what they can do.
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