Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup on Saturday night, defeating Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties after the match was tied 1-1 after extra time. The victory was a major milestone for the expansion club, which is still in its third season of existence.
Inter Miami was led by Lionel Messi, who scored the team’s first goal in the 31st minute. Messi, who signed with Inter Miami in the offseason, had a quiet game by his standards, but his goal was enough to give the team the lead.
Nashville equalized in the 68th minute through Hany Mukhtar, but neither team could find a winner in regulation or extra time. In the penalty shootout, Inter Miami converted all 10 of their attempts, while Nashville missed two.
The victory was a major boost for Inter Miami, which is currently struggling in the MLS regular season. The team is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, but the Leagues Cup title will give them some much-needed momentum.
Inter Miami’s road to the Leagues Cup title was not easy. The team had to get through a group stage that included Club Tijuana, Atlanta United, and Orlando City SC. Inter Miami finished top of the group, and then defeated Cruz Azul in the quarterfinals and Philadelphia Union in the semifinals.
The victory over Nashville was Inter Miami’s first major trophy in their history. It is a sign of progress for the club, and it will give them hope that they can be a contender in the MLS in the years to come.
Can Inter Miami Make the Playoffs?
Inter Miami’s victory in the Leagues Cup is a major boost for their playoff hopes. The team is currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, but they are only six points out of a playoff spot. With 11 games left in the regular season, Inter Miami will need to string together some wins if they want to make the playoffs.
The team has a favorable schedule down the stretch, with games against teams like Chicago Fire, FC Cincinnati, and Houston Dynamo. If Inter Miami can take advantage of these games, they will be in good position to make the playoffs.
Of course, Inter Miami will also need to get consistent performances from their star players, such as Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain. If these players can stay healthy and produce, Inter Miami will be a tough team to beat down the stretch.
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Who is Inter Miami’s Biggest Rival?
Inter Miami’s biggest rival is Orlando City SC. The two teams are located in the same state, and they have both been struggling in recent years. The rivalry between the two teams is only going to grow in the years to come.
Other teams that Inter Miami could consider as rivals include New York City FC, Atlanta United, and Philadelphia Union. These are all teams that are located in major markets, and they are all capable of challenging Inter Miami for a playoff spot.
Only time will tell who Inter Miami’s biggest rival will be. However, the team is certainly making progress in their quest to become a major force in MLS.