Messi brings it home for Inter Miami

If you’re wondering, Philadelphia won against Monterrey, securing their spot in the CONCACAF Cup.

More importantly, let’s look at who won the inaugural Leagues Cup.

 Nashville started off strong by nearly getting a goal in minute 18 from a corner kick.

Messi gave Miami the advantage by scoring first in the 23rd minute, 1-0. This is the seventh time Miami drew first blood in the Leagues Cup. This is also the seventh time in Messi’s career that he’s gotten a goal in seven consecutive games.

Nashville did a formidable job keeping Miami’s offense at bay. Even though Miami would normally be considered the underdog, Nashville is the underdog in this matchup. Miami has been relying heavily on Lionel Messi since his arrival. Miami had 60% possession, while Nashville had 40% at halftime.

 Miami came back strong in the second half. A yellow card came out for Nashville player Godoy after he collided with a Miami player who was also going after the ball.

In minute 57, Miami made things so much harder for themselves when they got their own goal made by the goalkeeper, 1-1.  It would have been nearly 2-1 in favor of Miami if it hadn’t been for the ball hitting in the post in the 72nd minute. Likewise, Nashville had two golden chances in the 77th minute.

There were three minutes of stoppage time, but that wasn’t enough. Even though Miami has had more possession on paper, Nashville had 11 shots and six shots on goal vs. Miami’s six shots and two shots on goal.

They went straight into penalty kicks since it was level after 90 minutes of regulation time.  After five rounds, they went into sudden death. After ten rounds of penalty kicks, it all came down to the goalkeepers. Keeper vs. keeper. But Nashville’s keeper couldn’t do the job. Miami won the Leagues Cup.