Lionel Messi showed his “absolutely clinical” best form for Inter Miami in the final victory in the League Cup.
So says Nashville head coach Gary Smith, who was the receiver of the Argentine’s magic on Saturday night.
Messi was on hand again to shine for Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
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Smith’s side struggled well but couldn’t beat the resurgent MiamiCredit: Getty
Messi continued his incredible start in life in Miami by helping them win their first major title ever.
He scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw with Nashville before they won 10-9 on penalties to secure the League Cup.
Messi’s goal in particular showed his incredible talent: he fired from outside the box into the top left corner of the goal.
That took his goals tally to ten in seven games for the club and Smith knew beforehand that a challenge awaited him and his side.
He said exclusively to talkSPORT: “It would be difficult to go into the game.”
“Amazingly, Miami has changed in the last five weeks. The addition of Messi as you know and (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba made a huge difference for this team.”
“So we knew it was going to be tough but the lads did a wonderful job and I think when you go to penalties and the goalkeepers make the difference you know it’s the best space.”
When asked how difficult it was to eliminate Messi, he replied: “He literally had two shots on goal in the game, I would like to say that he probably didn’t touch the ball more than eight or ten times. But that’s unfortunate.” The thing is, he’s just unplayable in those moments.
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Smith revealed to talkSPORT what it was like playing against the world championsCredit: talkSPORT
“Part of the process obviously was to limit that. Insanely, through some odd circumstance, he landed on the ball, through a small rebound, and you’re well aware of the rest. He is absolutely determined and the degree is great.”
He continued: “In the games we watched before our clash, some of the teams here probably gave him a little too much respect.”
“It was part of the process of just being ourselves and trying to force our game on them. We were at home, a fantastic audience, a wonderful atmosphere.”
“I really believed that my players could capitalize on that energy and showed a lot of passion over much of the game and I really thought we were the better team. But unfortunately we didn’t succeed.”
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Messi has added another trophy to his amazing collectionCredit: Getty
The League Cup is the 44th major trophy Messi has won in his illustrious career.
Miami may well remain bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, but should the World Cup winners maintain their stellar form, they are sure to move up the table very soon.
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2023-08-22 22:34:18
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