Leagues Cup: Another Title For Lionel Messi As Inter Miami Register Win Over Nashville On Penalties

Since his arrival as a free agent last month, Lionel Messi has magnificently scored nine goals in just six matches for the Florida-based club, which boasts David Beckham as one of its owners.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF poses with teammates after defeating the Nashville SC to win the Leagues Cup 2023 final match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at GEODIS Park on August 19, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Source : Getty Images

Washington: Argentine sensation Lionel Messi continued his remarkable scoring spree as Inter Miami secured victory over Nashville in a thrilling Leagues Cup final decided by penalties on Saturday.

The Argentine football icon, renowned for his World Cup triumph, gave Inter Miami an early lead in the 23rd minute at Nashville's Geodis Park. Messi displayed his signature move, cutting onto his favored left foot and smashing an unstoppable shot into the top-left corner of the net.

Nashville managed to level the score just before the hour mark as Fafa Picault capitalized on a corner by heading home from close range, redirecting Sam Surridge's header.

In the intense final moments of the regulation 90 minutes, both teams had opportunities to secure victory. Nashville's Sam Surridge unleashed an angled shot, only to be denied by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Drake Callender. On the other end, Messi and Leonardo Campana of Inter Miami each struck the post, resulting in a 1-1 deadlock at the final whistle.

The match progressed to a penalty shootout, where Callender emerged as the hero. He made two crucial saves before confidently converting the decisive penalty himself, sparking exuberant celebrations among his teammates and Inter Miami's devoted fans.

Since his arrival as a free agent last month, Messi has magnificently scored nine goals in just six matches for the Florida-based club, which boasts former English football captain David Beckham as one of its owners. This makes Messi the most decorated footballer with this being his 44th trophy for his club and country.

The Leagues Cup, an annual tournament that brings together teams from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, witnessed this exhilarating encounter.

(With Inputs From IANS)