Lionel Messi overtakes Dani Alves to set new record after Inter Miami triumph

20 August 2023 , 08:52

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Lionel Messi overtakes Dani Alves to set new record after Inter Miami triumph

Lionel Messi has become the most decorated footballer in history after Inter Miami's Leagues Cup final victory when it comes to major team honours - overtaking his former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves.

Since making the move to Miami earlier this summer, Messi has made a huge impact in the Inter camp, and this was felt in Sunday's final. The seven-time Ballon D'or winner scored the opening goal in the final with a trademark finish from 20 yards, before his effort was cancelled out in the second half by Fafa Picault.

Following 90 minutes, the two sides could not be separated meaning the final would be decided by a penalty shootout, with Inter Miami, and Messi stepping up first.

The Argentine converted from the spot, before Hany Mukhtar stepped up for Nashville to make it 1-1. Sergio Busquets then reinstated Inter's lead, and this remained intact after Randall Leal missed next to give Messi and co the early advantage.

Both sides then converted their next two penalties, before Victor Ulloa missed for Miami to allow Nashville back into the tie. The two teams then exchanged six spot kicks each, before Elliot Panicco became the first to blink, missing his attempt to hand Tato Martino's side the title.

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Lionel Messi has revolutionised Inter Miami since arriving (Getty Images)

Victory secured Messi his 44th honour of his career, which surpasses the record formerly held by Alves who had claimed 43. And it seems the 36-year-old World Cup winner has plans to add to his record-breaking tally, after taking to social media post-match.

Celebrating on Instagram, Messi wrote: "CHAMPIONS!!! Very happy to get the first title in this club's history. Everyone's hard work and commitment made it possible. Hopefully this is just the beginning... Let's go." Speaking afterwards, club owner David Beckham lauded Messi and his teammates' performances as 'beautiful'.

"People keep saying it looks like a movie - every time Leo scores one of these goals, Busi makes one of these passes, Jordi makes one of these runs," Beckham said. "People say "is it a fix?" and it is the biggest compliment you can give these players because it is like a movie. You watch them play and it is emotional. Everything about their play is beautiful."

Joshua Lees