Club owner David Beckham could not contain his joy after signing three players from Barcelona and capturing the trophy.
Inter Miami achieved a miraculous victory in the 2023 League Cup final against Nashville SC, which was held at Geodas Park in Nashville on the 20th at 10 am (KST). The match ended 1-1 in regulation time and Inter Miami won 10-9 in the penalty shootout. With this victory, Inter Miami clinched its first-ever championship trophy.
Inter Miami, founded in 2018, doesn’t have a long history. Although famous because of English star Beckham as its owner, their results weren’t notable. In their inaugural MLS season, they finished 10th in the Eastern Conference, and their rank further dropped to 11th the next season. The 2022 season 메이저사이트 기준 saw them climb to 6th, but in the ongoing 2023 season, they are at the bottom with a record of 5 wins, 3 draws, and 14 losses (18 points).
To turn things around, owner Beckham made a significant investment by signing several players from Barcelona. He hired former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino and brought in numerous players.
The highlight was Lionel Messi, who left Paris Saint-Germain and became a free agent. Despite his age, Messi, one of the best footballers globally, showcased his talent by leading the team to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Turning down offers from wealthy Saudi Arabian clubs, Messi chose Inter Miami. Beckham explained the signing, “When I started the journey of building a team in Miami a decade ago, I dreamt of bringing the world’s top players to this incredible city. I shared the ambition I had when joining LA Galaxy to grow the sport in America and to leave a legacy for the next generation.” Messi shared his excitement, “Starting the next chapter of my career with Inter Miami in the US is very exciting. It’s a fantastic opportunity, and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. I want to contribute here.”
After Messi’s arrival, his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also joined Inter Miami. Despite their age, their skill level was superior in the MLS. With these three players leading the way, especially with Messi at the forefront, Inter Miami saw significant growth and massive marketing gains. Messi played 7 matches and scored 10 goals, propelling the team’s momentum.
The team also won the League Cup. The final went into a dramatic penalty shootout. Messi confidently converted the first kick. The fortunes turned from the second kicker. Randall Leal’s shot targeting the center was saved by Callender, giving Inter Miami an edge. It came down to the last kicker for Inter Miami, Victor Ulloa, whose shot was saved. The shootout continued into sudden 토토사이트 순위 death. From the 6th to the 10th kicker, both teams were perfect. Eventually, it was the goalkeepers’ turn. Callender scored with a powerful shot and then saved Elliot Panicco’s attempt, securing Inter Miami’s historic first win since their 2018 inception.
The players jubilantly celebrated, with Beckham sharing a warm embrace with Messi. Beckham’s decision to bring the superstar to the MLS reaped a miraculous result. After the match, an ecstatic Beckham stated, “Tonight was a very special night for our club, the fans, players, families, and all the staff who have been on this journey with us. It wasn’t easy. It was a very tough match, down to the wire. But tonight was our night.”
The official MLS social media posted a photo of club owner Beckham with the League Cup trophy, flanked by Messi, Busquets, and Alba. A proud smile adorned Beckham’s face. All eyes are now on Beckham’s Inter Miami, led by Messi, and everyone is keen to see how far they will go.