"There is only one" - Inter Miami co-owner hails 'leader' Lionel Messi as Herons qualify into Leagues Cup final after skipper's heroics

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has hailed Lionel Messi following his masterclass in the 3-1 win over Orlando City in the League Cup semifinal. The Herons went behind in the game at the stroke of half time to a Marco Pasalic strike.

However, La Pulga stepped up after the break, converting from the spot in the 77th minute to get the Florida-based club back in the game. The Argentine then put Inter Miami ahead in the 88th minute, before Telasco Segovia sealed the win in the first minute of second-half injury time.

David Beckham wasn't in the stands for the game as he was away on holiday with his family. However, the Englishman had an eye out on the tie and was obviously delighted on the outcome.

Beckham took to social media after the win, sharing a picture of Lionel Messi celebrating a goal with the caption:

"Our Leader💗"

Beckham also hailed the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in another post, stating:

"There is only one 💗"

Interestingly, Inter Miami won the League Cup in 2023, following Lionel Messi's arrival at the Chase Stadium. Interestingly, it was the first trophy the Herons had lifted in their history. The Florida-based club face Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday, August 31, at Lumen Field.

How many trophies has Lionel Messi won with Inter Miami to date?

Lionel Messi is the most decorated footballer in the world with 46 trophies to his name so far, including two won with Inter Miami. The Argentine superstar moved to the Chase Stadium in the summer of 2023 following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Messi marked his arrival by helping the Herons lift the League Cup that year. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner won the Supporters Shield last season after powering the Florida-based club to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference table.

Unfortunately, the 38-year-old failed to inspire Inter Miami to the MLS Cup last year. Messi has continued his golden run with the Herons this campaign, and has already scored 25 goals and set up 11 more from 32 games in all competitions.

La Pulga will now be looking to add to his silverware tally this weekend, while he will also have his eyes on the MLS Cup this season. The Argentine, interestingly, is in the final six months of his contract with the MLS side and is yet to sign an extension.

About the author

Deepungsu is a veteran football journalist who has been covering daily transfer roundups and news for over seven years at Sportskeeda. He has written more than 9500 articles for the website, and has garnered close to 21 million reads.

Deepungsu holds a PG degree in Microbiology and an MBA degree in Total Quality Management. He has an extensive two-decade long writing experience, which includes a decade of sports blogging. His writing prowess has even led his work getting cited on the legendary Franz Beckenbauer's Wikipedia page.

Inspired by Diego Maradona, Deepungsu played as an attacking midfielder for his local club at subdivision level in his initial years and scored an important goal or two. However, his all-time favorite footballer is Lionel Messi, and evidently, he feels Argentina's glory in 2022 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment for fulfilling his long-standing dream. He is also an ardent East Bengal fan.

Deepungsu has been a Manchester United supporter since the year 2000. Unsurprisingly, his favorite manager is Sir Alex Ferguson and the Scotsman helped him get through some of the toughest days of his life. Like the fiery Scot, Deepungsu also leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accuracy in articles and only relies on credible sources.

Despite believing in Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to create an iconic rivalry, Deepungsu reckons no one can match the longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. He spends his leisure time writing about life on his blog, reading books, and playing the guitar.

Know More

Edited by Deepungsu Pandit