20 August 2023 , 06:00
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Lionel Messi was in shock as Leonardo Campana missed the perfect opportunity to win the Leagues Cup for Inter Miami, but thankfully for them it didn't matter.
Miami won their first ever trophy as a franchise after defeating Nashville SC on penalties in the Leagues Cup final, following a 1-1 draw in normal time. Messi opened the scoring with a stunning goal inside 24 minutes, finding the top-left corner of the net with a curling strike.
Nashville fought back in the second half and equalised after 57 minutes, as Fafa Picault squeezed one past Drake Callender from a corner to make for an interesting end to the game. And the most dramatic moment occurred in the final seconds of the game, as Campana lifted his effort over the goalkeeper and sprinted after the ball with the net exposed.
Campana did his best to reach the ball but his effort clipped the post, with Messi in total shock that he'd managed to miss a completely open net. It was the final kick of the game and would've handed Miami the trophy there and then, but his blushes were spared.
After a tense penalty shootout that ended 10-9 to Miami, Messi lifted the Leagues Cup trophy to write his name into history once again. Miami became the first team to ever win the competition, and Messi will forever be the first captain to lift the title.
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It was also a historic moment for Messi personally, as it was his 44th career title which makes him the most decorated player in football history. The standard of penalties were incredible, and it ended with the goalkeepers with only one of the outfield players on either team missing from 12 yards.
Miami were destined for the trophy as soon as Messi scored his opening goal, coming off the bench on his debut to score a 94th minute against Cruz Azul. His goal helped Miami snatch a 2-1 win against the Mexican side, but their next game was much easier, with the 36-year-old scoring twice and assisting Robert Taylor in a 4-0 win over Atlanta United.
Messi scored again in a 3-1 win against Orlando City, but their first scare came against FC Dallas as they tied 4-4 in regular time and progressed via a penalty shootout. Their next two matches were again routine, beating Charlotte FC 4-0 before easing past Philadelphia Union 4-1 to reach the final of the competition.
Messi celebrated his 10th goal for Miami after scoring in the final (2023 Getty Images)The Leagues Cup is now over, and attention turns back to MLS as Messi prepares for his first taste of domestic action with his new team. They've got a lot of work to do too, with Miami rock bottom of the Eastern Conference with just five wins in 22 games.
Messi has lifted Miami more than anyone could have imagined, and they're already favourites to win the MLS Cup next season. It may be too much of a stretch this season, but if they can continue their stunning form in MLS then playoffs may not be out of reach.
New York Red Bulls host Miami on August 26 for Messi's first MLS game, with tickets already surpassing $500 (£392.50) via resale for those wanting to watch the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in action. The Red Bulls are also at the wrong end of the Eastern Conference, with FC Cincinnati dominating as they've only lost two matches all season.