Lionel Messi may only be in the MLS for a matter of weeks, but it is difficult to overstate the impact that he has had on Inter Miami and the league as a whole.
The Argentine superstar has been in absolutely sensational form ever since his move across the Atlantic, having scored nine goals and assisted one more in only six appearances heading into last night's Leagues Cup final against Nashville.
Of course, you can probably guess what happened next.
Messi would find the back of the net once again in that game, scoring Inter Miami's only goal of the game as the final went to a penalty shootout.
1️⃣0️⃣ @LeaguesCup goals for our #10 👏👏#NSHvMIA | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/ELAqrPnMLb
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2023
He would then go on to convert the first spot kick of the shootout as Inter Miami ran out winners to secure their trophy in franchise history since joining the MLS in 2020.
Lionel Messi produces classy gesture after Leagues Cup win
Lionel Messi has had an incredible impact on the MLS, despite the fact that he has not even played in a league game in the American division yet. All seven of his appearances thus far have come in the Leagues Cup, culminating in last night's victory.
Having been made captain of the club immediately after arriving, he was the one that was due to lift the trophy after the game. However, he would produce a very classy gesture to one of his teammates instead.
Former Spurs and Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin had been captain of the club before Messi's signing, and having stepped aside so the role could be taken up by their star recruit, the Argentine would ensure that his teammate also got some recognition for this achievement.
He would first hand the armband over to Yedlin, before then asking the American to lift the trophy alongside him during the presentation.
Love to see it. 🤝©️
Leo Messi made sure previous @InterMiamiCF captain DeAndre Yedlin played an equal role in lifting the club's first trophy. pic.twitter.com/LOoY0ip751— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 20, 2023
Messi calling over Yedlin to lift the trophy with him (the team’s original captain before he signed).
What a man, he’s too pure. pic.twitter.com/GMaavbfUnl— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) August 20, 2023
A nice touch.
With the Leagues Cup trophy now secured, Lionel Messi will turn his attentions to turning around what has been a dismal MLS campaign for Inter Miami. They currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference having taken only 22 points from their first 18 games.
While his form has been nothing short of sensational up to this point, it is going to take quite the effort if he is to get them into play-off contention come the end of the season.
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