Lionel Messi Reacts To Winning League's Cup Trophy with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi finally won his first trophy in the United States as he and Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup trophy in a thriller against Nashville SC. This is yet another accolade added to the Argentinian's already-illustrious career which includes a record seven Ballon D'ors, several UEFA Champions League trophies, the Copa America, and of course, the World Cup itself.
However, despite already winning almost everything in soccer, Messi is relishing his North American success and genuinely looks to be enjoying himself as Inter Miami goes on a hot streak. As his Instagram shows, he treats the Leagues Cup win as an "unforgettable night."
Messi was lifted by his teammates in celebration before posing for some pics with his longtime FC Barcelona teammates and current Inter Miami teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. He was also seen celebrating with his wife and kids, as well as Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham after the big win.
Inter Miami Leagues Cup Final Was a Close One Vs. Nashville SC
Inter Miami may have the best player in the world right now, but they did not cruise past Nashville SC during the Leagues Cup Final. In fact, it was a thriller that had to be decided via penalties.
The match ended 1-1 on extra time, which meant the Leagues Cup winner was decided on a penalty shootout. It went the distance, with Inter Miami winning it 10-9, with Messi scoring the first penalty kick for his side.
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Messi also scored the lone goal for Inter Miami, meaning he has scored for the pink squad in each of his seven games with the club so far. He scored in the 23rd minute of the match, but it was soon equalized after a goal by Nashville SC's Fafá Picault during the 57th minute.
Both sides also came close to winning as they both almost scored goals, including a shot by Messi that hit the goalpost instead of the net. Nashville SC came close to scoring that winning goal too, with Nashville coach Gary Smith telling USA Today, "We were able to put ourselves in position where we could have stole it."
He then admitted Messi's impact on his club, adding, "You're looking at the greatest player on the planet possibly being the difference on what happened today."
NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Rooted Against Lionel Messi; Here's Why
When Inter Miami faced off against Nashville SC during the Leagues Cup Final, the team in pink had one very high-profile athlete rooting against them, Greek NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also happens to be a Nashville SC minority owner.
Giannis did some light taunting before the match as he was kicking the ball around, he celebrated a goal with Cristiano Ronaldo's famous "siiuuu" celebration. Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is Messi's main rival, with he and the Portuguese striker developing one of the biggest rivalries in sporting history.
"It's gonna be the first time I'm rooting against Messi," said the Milwaukee Bucks forward before the match began. "I expect both teams to play at a high level, but at the end of the day... When I was playing in the NBA Finals two years ago I enjoyed every single minute."
He explaints such moments cannot be taken back not be taken for granted.
"You never know if you're going to be here again at this stage, so, playing a final game against one of the greatest players to ever play this game, I know that our guys are going to come out, play hard, play together and try to get a win," Giannis added.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Lionel Messi Crazy Goal in the Final vs Nashville - BD10HD