In a nerve-wracking penalty kick contest, Inter Miami stays composed to turn away Nashville SC and win the Leagues Cup final[/b]
Lionel Messi scored in the 23rd minute and Inter Miami defeat Nashville SC in a penalty shootout 10-9 to win the Leagues Cup and lift the club’s first trophy in history after finishing in regulation f1-1 Saturday night at GEODIS Park. Drake Callender had quite the night, scoring an own goal, saving two penalties in the shootout and making the crucial take past Nashville’s keeper Elliot Pannico to give Miami the victory.
Messi was named player of the tournament and won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals and assisting one more in what was a dominating if not magical introduction to soccer fans in the United States
In a clash between expansion clubs that joined the league at the same time, Messi proved to be the difference — just like he has been since joining Inter Miami — by opening the scoring in the first half.
Nashville’s Fafa Picault would create a chance from a corner late in the match that led to Callender’s own goal before Leonardo Campana missed a chance at an open net that could’ve won the match for the Herons, who were composed enough in the penalty shootout to see the job through.
[b]The victory marked Inter’s first trophy, and they have a chance for more soon. They are in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals and will be considered favorites after this impressive Leagues Cup performance.