Lionel Messi is inevitable.
Inter Miami CF's superstar forward helped deliver a 2023 Leagues Cup title over Nashville SC on Saturday evening at GEODIS Park, curling home a trademark left-footed finish in the 23rd minute. The hosts surrounded Messi with several defenders, but he still went upper-90 for a 1-0 lead.
While Fafà Picault equalized for the hosts at 1-1, Miami won the ensuing penalty-kick shootout (10-9) for their first-ever trophy. Messi, as one might expect, started the scoring from the spot.
Messi's first-half strike sealed the Leagues Cup Golden Boot, tallying 10 goals in his first seven games with the Herons. It also helped Messi earn a world-record 44th title for club and country – all just one month after the GOAT joined Miami.