Led by star Lionel Messi, Inter Miami conquered their first title in their history on Saturday by defeating Nashville SC 10-9 in penalties (1-1 in regulation time) in the Leagues Cup final.
Messi opened the scoring on Nashville's field in the 23rd minute, his tenth goal in the seven tournament matches, but American Fafá Picault equalized in the 57th minute. The final was decided in a dramatic penalty shootout in which Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco missed the decisive shot.
This victory elevates the astonishing trajectory of Inter Miami since Messi's arrival, who in less than a month propelled the worst team of the MLS season to triumph in the Leagues Cup, a tournament that the 47 teams from the North American and Mexican leagues fought for during a month.