Lionel Messi claimed his first title in the USA last night (Saturday), as he led Inter Miami to victory in the league cup after defeating Nashville in a penalty shootout. Beyond Messi's personal achievement, this marks Inter Miami's first title in their history since being established in 2018.
During the course of the final match, Messi scored his tenth goal in his Inter Miami jersey, giving his team the lead that held until halftime. However, in the 57th minute, Nashville's Fafà Picault equalized, and after 90 minutes, the score was tied at 1-1.
Even in extra time, no goals were scored by either team, and the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. After goals from Messi and Sergio Busquets, Victor Ulloa had the chance to seal the deal for Miami with the fifth penalty kick – but he missed, leading to the extension of the penalty shootout, which went to 11 rounds. In the end, the goalkeepers had to take penalty kicks, and Nashville's goalkeeper missed his penalty, securing the cup for Miami.
