Lionel Messi displayed a remarkable gesture following yet another exceptional performance for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi served as the driving force behind Inter Miami’s attainment of their inaugural trophy on Saturday night. His contributions included a sensational goal and a penalty converted during the shootout, leading his new team to victory over Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup.
The legendary forward, at the age of 36, initiated the scoring in the 23rd minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area. Fabrice-Jean ‘Fafa’ Picault later equalized for Nashville at GEODIS Park with a close-range finish.
In the latter moments of the second half, substitute Leonardo Campana was presented with a prime opportunity to secure the victory for Inter Miami. However, his attempt, akin to Messi’s style, narrowly missed the target as he lifted the ball over Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco.
Subsequently, the final encounter was resolved through a penalty shootout, with Messi stepping up to take the first spot-kick. The World Cup champion executed a composed strike into the bottom corner, deceiving Panicco, who moved in the opposite direction.
Inter Miami triumphed in an electrifying shootout, ultimately prevailing 10-9, with goalkeeper Drake Callender sealing the victory by saving the final penalty from Panicco.
Video: Lionel Messi’s stunning goal vs Nashville in Leagues Cup final
First of all, let’s check out Messi’s incredible opening goal. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar has now already scored 10 goals for his new club (in just seven appearances) and his latest strike might be the best of the bunch so far.
You can watch Messi’s incredible goal in the Leagues Cup final below. Also, make sure you check out the alternate and slow-mo angles. What a strike.
1️⃣0️⃣ @LeaguesCup goals for our #10 👏👏#NSHvMIA | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/ELAqrPnMLb
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2023
This angle of Lionel Messi’s goal.pic.twitter.com/VtgmT1dJl3
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) August 20, 2023
Messi’s goal in slow motion. Enjoy 😊pic.twitter.com/zQmiwbMzy1
— 𝐃𝐀𝐌 🇦🇺 (@Futbol_DAM) August 20, 2023
Despite having won everything during his illustrious career, it’s easy to see how much winning this particular trophy meant to Messi. He’s clearly loving life in Miami following two difficult years in Paris and appears to be enjoying every moment of his new adventure Stateside.
Messi, who becomes the most decorated footballer in history after securing his 44th trophy, was hoisted into the air by his jubilant teammates after the final whistle.
MESSI, MESSI!pic.twitter.com/2Qr31h0rC1
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) August 20, 2023
The Argentine has single-handedly transformed the team’s fortunes since his arrival in July. Prior to signing Messi, Inter Miami were an 11-game winless streak in Major League Soccer. They’ve now put together a run of seven consecutive wins in the Leagues Cup thanks to their captain – the player regarded by many as the greatest footballer in history.
Messi’s classy gesture after winning Leagues Cup
It took the humble Messi no time at all to become an incredibly popular member of the Inter Miami dressing room. His new teammates already love him.
And he further endeared himself to everyone associated with Inter Miami with an incredibly classy gesture after his new club were crowned Leagues Cup champions.
When Messi was handed the trophy, he called over the team’s former captain DeAndre Yedlin so that they could lift the trophy side-by-side. Yedlin was the captain prior to Messi’s arrival and the United States international was handed the armband again by his superstar teammate during the trophy celebrations.
Leo Messi called over Yedlin to lift the trophy with him- the team’s original captain before he signed
The most humble footballer 🇦🇷🐐
— Sara 🦋 (@SaraFCBi) August 20, 2023
Despite being captain, Lionel Messi gave the armband to Yedlin and they lifted the trophy together. pic.twitter.com/lOdyQuHUpr
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) August 20, 2023
Messi calling over Yedlin to lift the trophy with him (the team’s original captain before he signed).
What a man, he’s too pure. pic.twitter.com/GMaavbfUnl
— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) August 20, 2023
Full respect to Messi. That gesture must have meant the world to Yedlin. There’s no doubt that other star players would have hogged the limelight if they found themselves in the same position.
Prior to Saturday’s final, Yedlin said of Messi, per ESPN: “Just his overall vibe and attitude … he’s always smiling, he talks to everybody.
“He could have come in and said, ‘I’m doing stuff my way and that’s how it’s going to be.’ But he’s come in and he’s completely mixed in with the group: the old guys, the young guys, just like a regular player.
“Obviously I had ridiculous respect for him as a player before I played with him, but I have even more respect for him now. He’s an unbelievable human being.”