Lionel Messi was dubbed the “best in the world” after scoring his 10th goal in seven games to assist Inter Miami win their first championship.
In the Leagues Cup final, the 36-year-old Argentinean gave Miami the lead over Nashville SC by firing into the top corner from outside the penalty area.
In the second half, Fafa Picault equalized to force overtime and penalties.
Drake Callender turned back Elliot Panicco’s penalty shot for Nashville, giving Miami the 10-9 victory that ended the shootout.
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Before World Cup-winning forward Messi and former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets arrived in Miami last month, Miami had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season.
They have now gone seven games without a loss as they pursue the Leagues Cup, a competition between MLS and Liga MX teams from Mexico.
Since the club’s founding in 2020, it was its first trophy.
When they take on Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday, they also have a chance to advance to a different final.
The former Barcelona trio, according to co-owner David Beckham, were crucial to the team’s turnaround: “It is like a movie, you watch these players play and, emotionally, everything about their play is beautiful.”
Midfielder Busquets of Spain added: “The team is growing by leaps and bounds and we are very happy.”
“We are making a solid team – and then we have Leo, who makes a difference because he’s the best in the world.”
The victory marked a seven-time Messi, the player of the competition and winner of the Ballon d’Or, now has 44 trophies under his belt, more than any other player.