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Article continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="betting-e2">{"type":"betting-e2","data":{"key":{"mobile":"fb9f812b41240655c161bb3d4ad2cf3f","desktop":"671024543858da3e0dfea5d9450ab1a4"}}}</script>Article continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Argentine icon starring in America</li><li>Helped to deliver major silverware</li><li>Capable of match-altering brilliance</li></ul>This page contains affiliate links. When you subscribe through the links provided, we may earn a commission.<a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Sign up here for MLS Season Pass through Apple TV and watch every MLS match, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami!</a>

WATCH: Incredible Lionel Messi fan footage goes viral documenting Inter Miami star's movement before stunning Leagues Cup final goal

The Argentine icon was at his inspirational best once again as he helped his new MLS employers to the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/unplayable-lionel-messi-ultimate-first-impression-nashville-boss-inspiring-inter-miami-leagues-cup-glory/blt2dc124fc5defc69a " target="_blank">first trophy in their relatively short existence</a>. Messi found the top corner with an incredible strike from the edge of the box against Nashville, before then converting his penalty in a thrilling shootout.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi’s effort in normal time was his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-marvel-from-thor-wakanda-forever-inter-miami-superstar-new-goal-celebration/bltabab8cd7b8669589" target="_blank">10th for Inter Miami in just seven appearances</a>, with the all-time great making an immediate impact in the United States. He now has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/44-trophies-lionel-messi-all-time-record-very-good-hands-inter-miami-tata-martino-historic-leagues-cup/blt4c0a84c28d5bf241 " target="_blank">44 trophies to his name in total</a>, making him the most decorated player in the history of football.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is famed for his ability to conjure up moments of magic, and he did not disappoint in the Leagues Cup final. Messi was caught on camera by a spectator seemingly looking disinterested in proceedings for a good 60 seconds prior to springing into life, making a darting run and curling the ball into the back of the net.<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ferdinand on Messi: “He looks soo uninvolved, then all of a sudden, bang” 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/sJsodjxT1S">pic.twitter.com/sJsodjxT1S</a>— 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕪 (@sammy__dray) <a href="https://twitter.com/sammy__dray/status/1693570054372175885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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AND WHAT'S MORE

Messi is already repaying the faith shown in him by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham – who <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/secret-meetings-10-year-project-how-david-beckham-signed-lionel-messi-inter-miami-co-owner/bltcc28a521e2bdff22 " target="_blank">spent 10 years putting a stunning transfer deal in place</a> – and will be hoping that there is more cause for celebration in Florida before the 2023 campaign is out as collective focus shifts towards the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/how-stop-best-world-lionel-messi-inter-miami-mls-rivals-fc-cincinnati-respond-silly-question-us-open-cup-semi-final/bltab39cb7584b90296" target="_blank">semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup</a>.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

WATCH: Incredible Lionel Messi fan footage goes viral documenting Inter Miami star's movement before stunning Leagues Cup final goal | Goal.com Tanzania

Footage of Lionel Messi’s movement prior to scoring a stunning goal for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final has gone viral.

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