Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup 2023, Messi scored

Inter Miami CF clinched their first-ever international trophy by defeating Nashville SC in a thrilling Leagues Cup final on Saturday night. The match was decided by a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Inter Miami won the Penalty Shootout against Nashville by 10-9, as it was Drake Callender who netted the winning penalty.

Leo Messi scored an amazing goal from outside the penalty box to open the scoreline for Inter Miami, who clinched their first League Title.

The night’s hero was Lionel Messi, who scored his 10th goal in seven matches for Inter Miami since joining them from Barcelona. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a stunning strike from outside the box that curled into the top corner, leaving Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco helpless. Messi also converted the first penalty in the shootout with his trademark composure.

Nashville equalized in the 57th minute when Fafa Picault’s header from a corner kick deflected off Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi and past Drake Callender. The hosts had several chances to win the game in the second half but were denied by the woodwork and some brilliant saves from Callender.

The shootout was tense, with both teams missing two penalties each. Callender scored the decisive spot-kick for Inter Miami and then made a spectacular save to deny Nashville’s Walker Zimmerman, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates and fans.

“It’s a huge honor to play a role in our first win in a final,”
“It’s pretty surreal. Very emotional. This team works so hard day in and day out to be able to perform like this on a night like this. And to have it come down to the end, it was amazing to see the grit, just the belief of what we’re capable of. It’s something special, and I’m blessed to be a part of it.”
Drake Callender said after the match

Inter Miami coach Phil Neville praised Messi for his leadership and quality, saying he was “the best player in the world” and that he had “changed the mentality” of the club.

Nashville coach Gary Smith congratulated Inter Miami for their victory but also expressed pride in his team’s performance and resilience. He said they had “given everything” and that they had “nothing to be ashamed of.”