Messi and Inter Miami are champions of the Leagues Cup

Inter Miami CF was crowned champion of the 2023 Leagues Cup on Saturday, earning the first official trophy for the club since its creation in 2020.

The team, led by Lionel Messi, made history by defeating Nashville SC at GEODIS Park in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time (10-9 on penalties).

The match ended 1-1 with a goal from Messi, who opened the scoring in the first half, and with a stellar performance by goalkeeper Drake Callender, MVP of the match. The 36-year-old Argentinian forward converted a long shot from outside the box to put Miami ahead against in the Leagues Cup final. Fafa Picault equalized in the second half, and the match was decided on penalties.

Miami prevailed 10-9 in the penalty shootout when Drake Callender stopped Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco's shot.

With this victory, Messi became the player with the most trophies in the history of football, with 44, and was named MVP and top scorer of the Leagues Cup. Callender, meanwhile, was voted Man of the Match by and received the Leagues Cup Best Goalkeeper award.