Lionel Messi gave another standout performance to lead Inter Miami to their first trophy on Saturday at Geodis Park.
The World Cup winner scored his 10th goal in seven matches as Miami beat Nashville FC to win the Leagues Cup final.
The 36-year-old provided the breakthrough after 23 minutes by firing a stunner from outside the box.
Este equipo 🫶🥹 pic.twitter.com/cXrFCf2fPc
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2023
But Fafa Picault restored parity with a close-range header early in the second half.
Despite several goalscoring opportunities, both sides failed to add to the scoreline and the game went to penalties.
The quality of the spot-kicks was excellent from both teams, but Drake Callender’s heroics ultimately proved to be the difference for the Herons.
The American goalkeeper scored what proved to be the decisive penalty before denying his opposite number Elliot Panicco to help Miami register a 10-9 shoot-out win.
The Leagues Cup success is the franchise’s first trophy since being formed in 2020.
They also have the chance to make it to another final when they take on Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Miami were in miserable form before Messi rocked up at the DRV PNK Stadium last month.
But their fortunes have been completely transformed following the Argentine’s arrival alongside his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The Herons have won seven consecutive matches in which Messi has featured.
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