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Watch: Messi mesmerises with absolute stunner, his 10th goal in 7 games; Inter-Miami beat Nashville in final

Nashville fans had booed Messi on his previous touches of the ball, but the stadium erupted in cheers when the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner who led Argentina to the World Cup crown last year scored.

Watch: Messi mesmerises with an absolute stunner, his 10th goal in 7 games as Inter-Miami outshines Nashville in League Cup final
Watch: Messi mesmerises with an absolute stunner, his 10th goal in 7 games as Inter-Miami outshines Nashville in League Cup final

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Published : Aug 20, 2023, 9:54 AM IST

Updated : Aug 20, 2023, 10:01 AM IST

Nashville, Tenn:Lionel Messi scored early in regulation and converted the first shot in penalty kicks as Inter Miami beat Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties in the Leagues Cup final.

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 unleashed a bending shot from just outside the penalty box into the top left corner of the goal. Diving goalkeeper Elliot Panicco had no chance at playing the ball.

Nashville fans had booed Messi on his previous touches of the ball, but the stadium erupted in cheers when the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner who led Argentina to the World Cup crown last year scored.

Messi had a shot from a similar position in the 71st minute, but hit the post as the teams played to a 1-1 draw in regulation. Messi calmly converted the first shot in penalties as Miami claimed its first trophy.

Earlier, Messi helped Inter Miami reach the final of the Leagues Cup after beating Philadelphia Union 4-1 in a one-sided semifinal on Tuesday. Messi netted his ninth goal for his new club. So far, all his goals have come in the same tournament.

The Argentine scored in the 20th minute with a long-range strike from beyond the penalty area after he was afforded space about 30 yards from goal in open play. Taking advantage, he unleashed a low effort past the diving Blake and inside the right post.

Fans erupted and went wild when he scored past diving goalkeeper Andre Blake. Messi ran with his arms extended, then punched his fist in the air as he leapt in celebration.(With agency inputs)

Last Updated : Aug 20, 2023, 10:01 AM IST

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