When Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup final, the first title in the club’s history, Lionel Messi was overjoyed. On Saturday, August 19, the match between the Herons and Nashville finished in a dramatic 1-1 draw in normal time. The seven-time Ballon d’Or led the Herons to a difficult 10-9 penalty shootout victory.
The MLS has been on fire since the 2022 FIFA World Cup victor joined Inter Miami on July 15. He led the team to the League Cup final with nine goals in six games, defeating teams including Cruz Azul, Atlanta United, Orlando City, Dallas, Charlotte, as well as Philadelphia Union.
Along with Barcelona veterans Sergio Busquets as well as Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi’s arrival drastically altered the atmosphere around the MLS team. They no longer had the appearance of a group that was last among the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
In only seven outings, the 36-year-old netted his tenth straight goal during the 23rd minute of the game with an outstanding long-range shot. Fafa Picault, though, gave Nashville a point in the 57th minute.
A dramatic penalty shootout resulted after the normal as well as extra time ended. Lionel Messi had a chance to score, but both teams squandered their chances, ending the game in a draw. In the end, Miami’s Drake Callender converted his penalty and stopped Elliot Panicco to give his side a 10-9 victory.
Some statistics from the game between Nashville FC and Inter Miami
The Herons had the majority of the ball during regular time, but they were unable to pose a danger to the other team’s goal. Only two of their six shots were on goal. Nashville, on the contrary, had 11 shots on the night, with six of them finding the goal, but they ended up unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
Inter Miami made a statement with their victory over a top-notch opponent, demonstrating the development they are making together. The Herons are presently last with 18 points, while Nashville are fourth with 38 points within the MLS Eastern Conference rankings.
Fans react as Lionel Messi clinches Leagues Cup for Inter Miami after penalty shoot-out victory:
Congratulations to Lionel Messi on winning the most trophies in Football history pic.twitter.com/TViszoFfcS
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) August 20, 2023
GREATNESS ?? pic.twitter.com/EZSM5Z5uni
— 6xxlbiggie?? (@ozogular1) August 20, 2023
Ronaldo could never pic.twitter.com/6Hap0pxFCg
— Tunde (@Tuundeyyy) August 20, 2023
Where is his 5th UCL? Ronaldo is better ?
— Uncle Bayotics ? (@unclebayotics) August 20, 2023
That's why he's the GOAT!!!!!
— Steve2kayy ? (@steve2kayy) August 20, 2023
First time? pic.twitter.com/uCCGYIgdkJ
— ??? Ä????™? ? (@Lil_Aziiz) August 20, 2023
He is the best ever!!!
— Dan (@001Oxygen) August 20, 2023
Messiah of football
— Smith Legrande? (@iamlegrande) August 20, 2023
I speak for every Messi fans when I say we don’t want rigged or script match we want real match
— Xlimkizzy† ??? (@xlim_kizzy) August 20, 2023
Messi got more trophies than Chelsea, congrats to him.
— ??????? (@NuTyrant) August 20, 2023
I just have to admit: Messi has completed football at this point. Ronaldo still my GOAT though.
— Nobody (@dharnyyoung) August 20, 2023
