Lionel Messi becomes the most decorated player in football history as Inter Miami wins the League Cup for the 44th time.
Following Inter Miami’s League Cup victory, Lionel Messi became the most decorated player in soccer history.
The World Cup winner created history by leading the MLS side to its first-ever trophy.
Lionel Messi becomes the most decorated player in football history as Inter Miami wins the League Cup for the 44th time.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed the 44th title of his remarkable career, which spanned from 2004 to 2023.
The Leagues Cup is his first trophy on American soil, having arrived in South Florida just over a month ago.
It adds to a trophy cabinet that already contains ten La Liga titles, four Champions League victories, seven Copa Del Reys, eight Spanish Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, the FIFA World Cup, the Finalissima, the Copa America, an Olympic Gold, a U20 World Cup, two Ligue 1 titles, and one Trophée de Champions.
With the new trophy, he has broken the tie with former Barcelona colleague Dani Alves, who has won 43 titles in his career.
Inter Miami upset Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties in the Leagues Cup final on Saturday night, with Messi scoring early in regulation and converting the first attempt in penalty kicks.
Messi scored for the 10th time in seven games since joining Inter Miami, converting in the 23rd minutes.
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 a bending shot from just outside the penalty box into the upper left corner of the goal. Elliot Panicco, the diving keeper, had no chance.
The stadium erupted in cheers when Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner who guided Argentina to the World Cup title last year, scored.
Messi had a chance from a similar position in the 71st minute, but it struck the post as the teams battled to a 1-1 tie in regulation.
Messi calmly converted the first penalty shot as Miami secured its first trophy – and his 44th.
