Lionel Messi gives Inter Miami’s former skipper DeAndre Yedlin the captain’s armband before lifting Leagues Cup trophy together
- Yedlin was Inter Miami’s captain throughout the season before Messi arrived
- The inaugural Leagues Cup trophy was the first title ever won by Inter Miami
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Following Inter Miami’s monumental win over Nashville in the Leagues Cup final Lionel Messi showed just why he is one of the most liked players in all of soccer with a humble moment with teammate DeAndre Yedlin.
The 30-year-old American international had captained Miami’s side throughout the season before handing over the armband after Messi’s arrival.
However, following Miami’s triumph, Messi made sure the former captain was recognized.
The World Cup winner handed the armband Yedlin to wear as the team got on the podium to receive the trophy.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also gestured to Yedlin to be the one to lift the trophy as Miami celebrated the team’s first title in franchise history.
Lionel Messi gave DeAndre Yedlin(R) the armband and told him to lift the Leagues Cup trophy
Yedlin had captained Inter Miami throughout the regular season before Messi’s arrival
Yedlin made over 20 appearances this as Miami’s skipper before the groundbreaking acquisition of Messi.
He has also seen himself pushed into a leadership role with the USMNT recently as he was one of the only veteran players named to America’s 2023 Gold Cup roster.
Much like Messi, Yedlin was able to successfully put away his penalty kick during the highly intense shootout that ensued after the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
Miami had spent majority of the large spells under pressure from Nashville and were easily second best before Messi scored an outstanding goal in the 23rd minute of action.
Nashville relentlessly fought back to tie the game up after Fafa Picault scored off a corner kick with his header deflecting off goalkeeper Drake Callender before finding its way into the back of the net.
Miami had just won the first trophy in team history after winning the inaugural Leagues Cup
The penalty shootout that followed regulation went up to the 11th round and saw both goalkeepers step up to the spot before a winner was decided, with Drake Callender saving Nashville’s shotstopper Elliot Panicco’s spotkick.
Yedlin, Messi, and the rest of Miami will now turn to what will be even an even tougher task as they attempt to salvage what has been pitiful season in MLS.
The poor play that plagued Miami throughout the entirety of this year’s MLS season before Messi’s arrival has the team sitting in last place with a league-low 18 points and a record of 5-3-14.
Miami’s next game however will not be in league action as the team must first turn their attention to the US Open Cup when they are set to play Cincinnati on August 23.