Lionel Messi has secured his 44th trophy with Inter Miami CF, just two months after joining the club from PSG on a free transfer. This makes him the player with the most trophies in history. The Leagues Cup final against Nashville ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to penalties, where Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callendar made a crucial save to secure victory.
Messi opened the scoring with a wonder strike in the 23rd minute, earning him the Golden Boot for the tournament with a remarkable ten goals in just seven games. Fafa Picault equalized for Nashville in the 57th minute, but both teams were unable to find a winning goal in regulation time.
After the equalizer, Nashville pushed for a second goal, with Hany Mukhtar creating several opportunities. However, Callendar made crucial saves to deny Nashville the lead. Inter Miami had a chance to secure victory with Sergio Busquets assisting Leonardo Campana, but the Ecuadorian missed an open goal.
Despite winning the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami is currently last in the overall MLS standings, with only 18 points from 22 games. They are 12 points away from the playoffs with only 12 games remaining, making it unlikely for them to make up the gap. However, Messi will have another chance to add to his trophy haul as Inter Miami is in the semi-finals of the US Open Cup.
Messi will also feature in the newly revamped Concacaf Champions Cup, regardless of Inter Miami’s playoff status. The top three teams in the MLS standings, including Inter Miami, will qualify for Concacaf’s equivalent of the UEFA Champions League.
Overall, Messi‘s success in winning the Leagues Cup is a significant achievement for Inter Miami, considering their low standing in the MLS. It showcases Messi‘s impact and highlights his role as a key player for the club. With more competitions on the horizon, Inter Miami will have further opportunities to add to their trophy cabinet with Messi leading the way.
