Lionel Messi hugs David Beckham and his wife Victoria after the thrilling shootout win over Nashville: the team’s co-owner can hardly contain his delight as the Argentine hero leads the Heron to their first title in the club’s five-year history
- Beckham was overwhelmed with joy after winning the penalty shootout
- This is Inter Miami’s first cup win in the franchise’s five-year history
- offers the latest international sports news
Lionel Messi celebrated his first cup win with Inter Miami by hugging co-owner David Beckham and his wife Victoria in Nashville on Saturday night.
After an on-pitch altercation with his Miami team-mates, Messi found his way into the arms of an ecstatic Beckham, who could hardly contain his delight.
Beckham, himself a former MLS star, whispered in Messi’s ear before the Argentine legend gave Victoria a quick hug. Beckham and his wife also shared their own on-pitch hug, which came after five difficult seasons at Miami as the club struggled to get out of the MLS basement.
Messi was man of the match again on Saturday. Not only did he score at the start of regular time, he also converted the first shot on penalties as Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties in the League Cup final.
Messi scored for the tenth time in seven games since joining Inter Miami, converting in the 23rd minute.
Messi celebrated his first cup win with Miami by hugging team co-owner David Beckham
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham is hugged by his wife Victoria in Nashville on Saturday
Co-owners Jorge Mas, David Beckham and Jose Mas celebrate after Inter Miami’s win
The ball landed at Messi’s feet after a pass from teammate Robert Taylor was blocked. Messi dribbled past Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman and fired into the top left corner of the goal just outside the box. Jump goalie Elliot Panicco didn’t get a chance to play the ball.
Messi didn’t make much of an impact before scoring the goal and the crowd showered him with boos every time he touched the ball. But the stadium erupted in celebration when the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who guided Argentina to the World Cup title last year, scored.
Nashville leveled the game in the 56th minute when Fafa Picault’s header ricocheted off a corner kick from Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi and was netted by goaltender Drake Callendar.
Messi fired in the 71st minute from the penalty area, from which he had fired earlier, but hit the post as the teams drew 1-1 in regular time.
Lionel Messi is hoisted into the air by his Inter Miami teammates after winning the League Cup
Inter Miami co-owners Jorge Mas, David Beckham and Jose Mas pose with the trophy
Miami forward Leonardo Campana had a chance to win the game in the last game of regular time, but his shot at an open goal hit the post. Messi held his head in his hands as the ball dribbled out of the field.
Messi calmly converted the first shot into a penalty shoot-out, securing Miami their first trophy.
Messi-mania swept Music City after Nashville SC secured a place in the final against Miami FC on Tuesday by beating Monterrey of the Mexican league. Ticket prices skyrocketed after going on sale the following day, but eased somewhat in the days leading up to the game. The cheapest seats still cost several hundred dollars. A sell-out crowd of 30,109 spectators filled Geodis Park.
Nashville native Reese Witherspoon brought out the ball and NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo got some shots on goal before the game. Both are minority owners of Nashville SC.