Lionel Messi clinched his inaugural title since his surprising move to the US, leading Inter Miami to a dramatic win against Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final. This edge-of-the-seat battle unfolded at GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee, culminating in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and was ultimately decided by a pulsating penalty shootout.
Messi, who had adorned the Miami jersey only seven games ago, lit up the match with a stunning goal in the 23rd minute. The Argentine maestro exhibited his signature flair, navigating past two Nashville players after picking up a deflected attempt and curling it impeccably into the top corner. This was Messi's crowning 10th goal in the competition.
Nashville, undeterred by the early setback, surged forward with heightened vigour. Their relentless attacking play bore fruit in the 57th minute, courtesy of Fafa Picault. Off a corner, the ball took an unexpected bounce, meeting Picault's head and taking a slight deflection off Cremaschi, deceiving Miami's custodian, Callender, in the process.
Callender, throughout the match, was a beacon of resilience for Miami, pulling off crucial saves. A heart-stopping moment came in injury time when Leonardo Campana, after a brilliant dribble and chip over the keeper, unfortunately, found the post instead of the back of the net.
With both teams inseparable after full-time, a penalty shootout was inevitable. Messi, after winning the toss, confidently chose Miami to start. Embodying leadership, he stepped up to bury the first kick. The shootout was a masterclass of nerves and precision. But it was Callender who turned out to be Miami's hero. His saves from Landal Leal and goalkeeper Eliott Panicco were pivotal, but he further etched his name in the annals by scoring a penalty himself.
Inter Miami, with a thrilling 10-9 edge in the shootout, not only bagged the title but also scripted their maiden championship victory in the club's chronicle.
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