Lionel Messi Reacts To Winning His First Trophy With Inter Miami And Becomes The Most Decorated Footballer..

Lionel Messi continues to make history as he becomes the most decorated football player ever, winning his first title in the MLS, after Inter Miami beats Nashville on penalties to win the Leagues Cup on Saturday night.

The Argentine football maestro fired into the top corner from outside the box to give Miami the lead in the 23rd minute against Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final.

But Fabrice-Jean ‘Fafa’ Picault then levelled the scores in the second half (57th mins) for Nashville at GEODIS Park with a finish from close-range.

Substitute Leonardo Campana was presented with a golden opportunity to win the game for Inter Miami in second-half stoppage-time but produced an agonising miss after dinking the ball over Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco.

With the game tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, there was no extra time proceeding straight to an electrifying penalty shootout, and it was Messi who stepped up to take the first spot-kick. 

The legendary forward sent Panicco the wrong way with a cool strike into the bottom corner of the net.

Inter Miami went on to win a thrilling shootout 10-9, with goalkeeper Drake Callender turning out to be the hero having scored the last kick, and saved the final penalty from Panicco.

The victory was the club's first trophy since being formed in 2020.

They also have the chance to reach another final when they play Cincinnati in the semi-final of the US Open Cup on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

Miami had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season before World Cup winner Lionel Messi arrived on a free from French club side PSG last month alongside former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

They are now unbeaten in seven games on their way to winning the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring MLS and Mexican Liga MX clubs.

Co-owner David Beckham said the former Barcelona trio were instrumental in the club's change in fortunes: "It is like a movie, you watch these players play and, emotionally, everything about their play is beautiful."

However, following Inter Miami's League Cup victory, Messi now has 44 trophies and is the most decorated player in the history of the sport.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was previously tied with his former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves on 43 trophies in their football career.

Este equipo 🫶🥹 pic.twitter.com/cXrFCf2fPc

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2023

Messi was hailed as the "best in the world" as he scored a 10th goal in seven games to help his Inter Miami side to their first trophy, he also received the Leagues Cup best player and top scorer awards.

Reacting, Messi, in a post via his Instagram account, hoped the Leagues Cup victory will be the beginning for many more trophies Inter Miami will win.

He wrote: “CHAMPIONS!!!. Very happy to get the first title in this club’s history. Everyone’s hard work and commitment made it possible. Hopefully, this is just the beginning… Let’s go @intermiamicf!!!!”

Spain midfielder Busquets added: "The team is growing by leaps and bounds and we are very happy.

"We are making a solid team - and then we have Leo, who makes a difference because he's the best in the world."

🏆 The Most decorated football players ever:

1. 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi - 44 trophies

2. 🇧🇷 Dani Alves - 43 trophies

3. 🇪🇬 Hossam Ashour - 39 trophies

4. 🇧🇷 Maxwell - 37 trophies

5. 🇪🇸 Andres Iniesta - 37 trophies

6. 🇪🇸 Gerard Pique - 37 trophies

7. 🇬🇧 Ryan Giggs - 36 trophies

8. 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo - 35 trophies

9. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Kenny Dalglish - 35 trophies

10. 🇪🇸 Sergio Busquets - 35 trophies

11. 🇵🇹 Vitor Baia - 34 trophies

12. 🇫🇷 Karim Benzema - 33 trophies

13. 🇪🇸 Xavi - 33 trophies

14. 🇸🇪 Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 32 trophies