Lionel Messi scored a goal and set up another as Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup on Saturday, defeating Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties after the match was tied 1-1 after extra time.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July, has been in sensational form since arriving in MLS, scoring 10 goals in seven games. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box, and then played a key role in the build-up to Gonzalo Higuain's equalizer in the 57th minute.
In the penalty shootout, Messi converted his own spot-kick, and Drake Callender saved the final kick from Elliot Panicco to give Inter Miami the victory.
The win is the first trophy for Inter Miami, who are in their third season in MLS. It is also the first trophy for Messi in North America, and it comes just eight months after he led Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup.
Messi's arrival in MLS has been a major coup for the league, and his impact has been immediate. He has helped to raise the profile of the league and has attracted a new wave of fans.
Inter Miami are now hoping to build on their success in the Leagues Cup and challenge for silverware in MLS. With Messi leading the way, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Messi's Golden Touch
Messi's performance in the Leagues Cup final was a microcosm of his impact on Inter Miami since joining the club. He was involved in everything positive that the Herons did, and he was the difference-maker in the end.
His goal in the first half was a thing of beauty. He picked up the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner, leaving the Nashville goalkeeper with no chance.
He also played a key role in the build-up to Higuain's equalizer. He held the ball up well in the box and then played a perfect pass to Higuain, who slotted the ball home.
In the penalty shootout, Messi was cool and composed as he stepped up to take his kick. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and gave Inter Miami the lead.
The Impact of Messi
Messi's arrival in MLS has been a major coup for the league. He has helped to raise the profile of the league and has attracted a new wave of fans.
Inter Miami are now a team that everyone wants to see. They are the team with Messi, and that makes them a major draw.
The Herons are also a better team with Messi in their lineup. He has given them a new dimension, and he has made them a more dangerous team going forward.
The Future
The future looks bright for both Messi and Inter Miami. With Messi leading the way, the Herons are a team on the rise.
They are now the favorites to win the US Open Cup, and they will be confident of challenging for a playoff spot in MLS.
Messi himself is likely to be targeting more individual accolades. He is currently on 44 trophies for club and country, and he will be looking to add to that tally in the coming months.
The world is watching Inter Miami now, and they are excited to see what Messi can do next.
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