Lionel Messi has created history with Inter Miami as he guided them to their first-ever title in their history. Messi’s Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup trophy earlier today against Nashville SC. The Argentine star was seen in a jubilant mood after his side clinched the victory in a lengthy penalty shootout. However, Lionel Messi’s act of kindness and humility during the post-match ceremony caught the fans’ attention.
Lionel Messi, who arrived at Inter Miami just a few weeks ago, was promoted to the captain of the side. Before Messi, Inter Miami’s captain was their Brazilian midfielder Gregore. However, since Gregore has been out injured, the club’s right-back, DeAndre Yedlin, has assumed the role of temporary captain. Although since his debut against Cruz Azul last month, Messi has been wearing the captain’s armband.
Este equipo 🫶🥹 pic.twitter.com/cXrFCf2fPc
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2023
During the Leagues Cup final, Lionel Messi was again spotted wearing the armband. However, after the victory, Messi made sure that Yedlin’s services as the club’s ex-skipper didn’t go unrecognized. Messi was seen handing over the armband to Yedlin, despite the American star’s wishes. This gesture from Messi has been praised by soccer fans all over the world, with one fan even calling it an “Incredible show of humility.“
Here are some reactions from fans:
Respect Legend Messi. Incredible show of humility.❤️
— Balitok (@BalitokCapital) August 20, 2023
Bro so humble 🥺
There’s love in sharing no matter what
The best football player Messi is showing an example ❤️ pic.twitter.com/onT08JjXO0— Gowies (@Badgowies) August 20, 2023
Messi is the greatest leader and humanitarian of all time.
— Jose (@josepintoj) August 20, 2023
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
— PROf (@xtra_prolifik) August 20, 2023
Messi Humility is top Notch..
I’m humbled by this act !
— Dan (@001Oxygen) August 20, 2023
Top player 🤍🐐
— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) August 20, 2023
Moreover, Messi also invited DeAndre Yedlin to lift the club’s first-ever title. The ex-Newcastle United defender has previously expressed his admiration for Messi’s off-the-field values. He called Messi “an unbelievable human being.” Yedlin further stated that while he already respected the Argentine talisman for his soccer abilities, Messi’s attitude has further increased his respect for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Lionel Messi wins his 44th title to become the most decorated soccer player ever
Lionel Messi has etched himself onto the pages of history once again as he broke yet another record today. The 36-year-old star celebrated his 44th title as Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final. Messi, who has been in mercurial form, inspired his side again in yet another Leagues Cup clash. Messi also won the top scorer and best player of the tournament awards.
In what was an epic final, Lionel Messi’s 23rd-minute belter from outside the box gave Inter Miami an early lead. This was his 10th Leagues Cup and Inter Miami goal, as well as his seventh consecutive match with a goal for his new club. However, with Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar showing occasional glimpses of brilliance, Nashville grabbed the equalizer through Fafà Picault’s 57th goal from a corner kick.
⚽Winning goal in the shootout
🧤 Decisive penalty save
🏆 #LeaguesCup2023 champ👏 A great night for Drake Callender as @InterMiamiCF win the title makes him our Man of the Match presented by GEICO! pic.twitter.com/dIB5zAlvNu
— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 20, 2023
As the game stretched into the penalty shootout, more drama awaited. Both Inter Miami and Nashville missed one out of their five penalties, as the game went to sudden death. With all 11 players scoring for Miami, including Callender, the American shot-stopper saved Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco’s kick to give the Herons the Leagues Cup title.
Lionel Messi now becomes the most decorated player in football history with 44 titles since 2004 to 2023. ✨🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/6qFbg5gtq5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2023
With this latest addition to his already-packed trophy cabinet, Messi became the most decorated soccer player of all time. Messi surpassed his good friend and former FC Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, who has 43 titles to his name.