WATCH: David Beckham's emotional embrace with Lionel Messi after Leagues Cup triumph
- Messi scored before Herons won 10-9 in a penalty shootout
- Co-owner Beckham watched as the club won its first ever piece of silverware
- Legendary duo shared hug at full-time amid joyous celebrations
Inter Miami enjoyed its most famous night in the club's brief history in beating Nashville SC to win the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Lionel Messi's arrival in North America has inspired the Herons, who had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season before the 2022 World Cup winner moved from Paris to Miami.
The Argentinian scored his tenth goal in seven games before Fafa Picault equalised, sending the final to an epic penalty shootout. Inter Miami eventually triumphed 10-9, the victory sealed when Drake Callender denied opposite number Elliot Panicco.
WHAT. AN. ENDING.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 20, 2023
The moment Drake Callender won it with a save for @InterMiamiCF! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Krx8sOfX6I
Co-owner and president David Beckham now has his first piece of silverware to show for his revolution in Miami. Messi and his old Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have seen it all before at Camp Nou, but the trophy success only five years after the club was founded represents an incredible achievement for Beckham.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder was seen celebrating in the stands with partner Victoria and soon clambered down to embrace Messi after yet another inspired performance.
Massive hug between David Beckham & Lionel Messi after the final whistle. pic.twitter.com/8fxzGlN8AX
— Lizzy Becherano (@lizzy_becherano) August 20, 2023
Special moment between Beckham and Messi. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/TmgHxvuWEp
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 20, 2023
LA PRIMERA😍😍 pic.twitter.com/qFynJeguC6
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2023
More joyous scenes were captured as Miami players celebrated with the Leagues Cup trophy, with one snapshot showing a beaming Beckham alongside former Barcelona stars Messi, Busquets and Alba.
Speaking to reporters, Beckham said: "It is like a movie, you watch these players play and, emotionally, everything about their play is beautiful."
Finland international Robert Taylor and Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez also made pivotal contributions of four and three goals respectively in the Leagues Cup this year. However, it is undoubtedly Messi's arrival that has transformed Inter Miami's prospects.
A summer filled with speculation over a return to Barca already seems a long time ago, with Messi immediately changing the mentality of the squad at DRV PNK Stadium.
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