August 20, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi stole the show once again on Sunday night, scoring a stunning goal to lead Inter Miami to their first trophy in a dramatic MLS League Cup final against Nashville.
The Argentine genius curled a world-class strike into the top corner to put Miami ahead in the first half. But Nashville fought back valiantly, equalising through Fafa Picault in the second half to send the final to penalties. Both teams held their nerve to make it 9-9 after the first set of spot kicks. Then, in a battle of the goalkeepers, Miami’s Drake Callender saved the decisive penalty to clinch a 10-9 shootout win.
Messi was mobbed by his jubilant teammates after the final kick, having inspired them to an unlikely Cup run after joining just last month. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 10 goals in his first 7 games for Miami, transforming the team from the bottom of the MLS to champions.
“I am very happy to win our first title in just one month, the club’s first,” said Messi’s teammate, Sergio Busquets. “We have infected the team with our spirit, our work, our character and experience. We are making a solid team. And then we have Leo, who makes a difference because he’s the best in the world.”
It is a dream start to Messi’s career in North America. Next up is a chance to reach another final when Miami take on Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday. After years of disappointment in Paris, the magician Messi is smiling again and bringing glory to his new home.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
