Inter Miami won their first-ever trophy on Saturday, defeating Nashville SC on penalties in the Leagues Cup final.
The match was tied 1-1 after extra time, and Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender saved Elliot Panicco’s penalty kick in the shootout to secure the win.
Lionel Messi scored the opening goal for Inter Miami in the 23rd minute, but Nashville equalized through Hany Mukhtar in the 81st minute. Both teams had chances to win the match in extra time, but neither could find the breakthrough.
In the shootout, both goalkeepers made saves, but Callender was the hero for Inter Miami, saving Panicco’s decisive penalty kick. The victory marked Inter Miami’s first trophy since the club’s inception in 2020.
Messi was named the Leagues Cup MVP after scoring four goals in the tournament. He also became the most successful soccer player of all-time with 44 career trophies.
Inter Miami will now turn their attention to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, where they will face Philadelphia Union. The match is scheduled for August 29.
Key Quotes
- This is a special moment for the club,” said Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville. “We’ve worked hard to get here, and I’m proud of the players for their performance.”
- “Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, and he showed that tonight,” said Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith. “We were unlucky to lose on penalties, but I’m proud of my team for their effort.”
- “This is a dream come true,” said Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender. “I’m so happy to have helped the team win this trophy.”
The Impact
The victory is a major milestone for Inter Miami, who are still a relatively young club. It also gives them a boost of confidence as they look to compete for trophies in the MLS and the U.S. Open Cup.
The defeat is a tough blow for Nashville SC, who were the favorites to win the Leagues Cup. However, they can still take pride in their performance, and they will be looking to bounce back in the MLS playoffs.
