The 11-round shootout was clinched by Callender’s two saves from the spot, first on Nashville midfielder Randall Leal after which Elliot Panicco, his goalkeeping counterpart. Messi began the scoring in PKs, solely including to his world-record forty fourth trophy for membership and nation because the Herons proceed their turnaround from MLS’s last-place facet to at least one elevating silverware.
The regulation-time objectives had been scored on both facet of halftime, beginning with Messi (23′) bending dwelling a picture-perfect strike into the highest nook after powering by way of a Walker Zimmerman problem for his Golden Boot-clinching tenth objective. But Nashville’s persistence paid off by way of winger Fafà Picault (57′), whose corner-kick header deflected in to strengthen his facet’s energy on set items.
As these 2020 MLS enlargement siblings chased a late winner, Miami hit two posts within the second half. Messi was the architect of the primary, beating Panicco however not the woodwork within the 71st minute. Then within the 93rd minute, after a Sergio Busquets lengthy ball, striker Leonardo Campana had the trophy on his boot – just for the goalframe to disclaim his wraparound sliding try after his chip rounded Panicco.
Nashville poured on the stress themselves, particularly by way of the nascent Hany Mukhtar–Sam Surridge partnership. Each Designated Gamers pressured Callender into big-time stops, however could not settle the sport in regulation time. Come the epic PK shootout, the Herons emerged on prime.
Three Issues
- THE BIG PICTURE: Leagues Cup began with Messi’s debut free-kick objective towards Cruz Azul, and it ended with the Argentine celebrity elevating a trophy. It has been a poetic, storybook month for Miami as they ascend into contender standing – already understanding they’ve 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup soccer forward (Spherical of 16 bye). Nashville can maintain their heads excessive, however this night time was all about Messi & Co. making historical past.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Messi. Left foot. Golazo. We have all seen this story earlier than. And it by no means will get outdated.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Callender made 5 saves in regulation time, then supplied two stops in PKs. He’s the unsung hero of this trophy run (and scored a PK of his personal).