Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami To First Ever Trophy After Epic Penalty-Shootout Win In Leagues Cup Final

Inter Miami lifted a trophy for the first time in the club's history on Saturday after beating Nashville 10-9 in an epic Leagues Cup final penalty shootout.

Inter Miami lifted a trophy for the first time in the club's history on Saturday night.

A 1-1 draw with Nashville in the Leagues Cup final was followed by an epic penalty shootout, which Miami won 10-9.

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant goal - his 10th in seven games since moving to the USA - to put Miami 1-0 up in the 23rd minute.

Nashville equalized shortly before the hour-mark in Tennessee courtesy of Fafa Picault.

Saturday's final then went to extra time and eventually penalties.

Inter Miami players pictured celebrating after winning the 2023 Leagues Cup final against Nashville :: IMAGO/Agencia-MexSport/Jose Luis Melgarejo

Messi converted the first spot-kick of the night. Indeed, seven of the first eight penalties all found the net.

Randall Leal was the first to fail when he was denied by Miami keeper Drake Callender.

Victor Ulloa had the chance to wrap up a 5-3 win for Miami but he saw his effort saved by Elliot Panicco.

So the shootout went on. After every outfielder had taken a penalty, it was the turn of the goalkeepers to step up.

Miami no.1 Callender smashed his shot into the roof of the net.

But Panicco then saw his effort saved by Callender.

Highlights: Nashville 1-1 Inter Miami (9-10 On Penalties)

While the 2023 Leagues Cup will go down in history as the first tournament ever won by Inter Miami, it was no.44 for Messi.

The Argentina captain is now officially the most decorated player in soccer history.

As well as winning his 44th team trophy on Saturday night, Messi left Geodis Park with two individual awards.

Messi won the Leagues Cup's Best Player award and also ended the tournament as the top scorer. 

Lionel Messi pictured posing with two individual awards after Saturday's final :: IMAGO/Agencia-MexSport/Jose Luis Melgarejo