Inter Miami, with the help of star player Lionel Messi, defeated Nashville SC on penalties in the 2023 Leagues Cup final, winning their first-ever trophy as a club in the United States.

 

Nashville started the game on the front foot, applying constant pressure on Inter Miami, who struggled to maintain favorable possession control. But Messi worked his magic once more in the 23rd minute. After grabbing hold of a loose ball and dodging Walker Zimmerman, Messi fired an unstoppable blast into the top right corner of the net.

When the second half began, Nashville started applying more pressure. Their persistence paid off with a schoolyard goal off the head of Fafa Picault that pinged off Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender on its way to the back of the net.

Leonardo Campana was gifted a golden chance to put the game away in the final seconds, but his last-ditch stretch to bury the shot, hit the post. Both teams had to settle for a penalty shootout.

The penalty shootout featured all 11 players on each side getting an opportunity to make their penalty kicks and ended with both goalkeepers going last. Callender stepped up first and rocketed his effort into the top of the frame. However, Nashville’s Elliot Panicco saw his effort saved by Callender, coronating Miami as Leagues Cup royalty.

After wining the trophy, David Beckham, a part-owner of Inter Miami couldn’t hide his happiness and rushed to hug Messi.

 

The victory marked Inter’s first trophy.
Lionel Messi now becomes the most decorated player in football history with 44 titles since 2004 to 2023.

 

#Messi𓃵 becomes the most decorated player of all time.#InterMiamiCF win their first league cup. pic.twitter.com/i2aAHaQIJU

— PRITAM 🚩 (@prikingggggg) August 20, 2023